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Pictured is Point Park secondary education alumna and high school math teacher, Phylicia Joy. | Photo by Jim Judkis

Meet Phylicia Joy

Job Titles: Mathematics Teacher, Crestview High School in Columbiana, Ohio
Degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Math Education, Point Park University, 2012
College activities:
Future Educators Association, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and math tutor for the Program for Academic Success
Hometown: Highlandtown, Ohio
Now living in: Leetonia, Ohio
Hobbies/interests: Singing, dancing, playing cards, spending time with friends and family, tutoring, helping others and math

Why did you decide to pursue a career in secondary education?

I have always found joy in helping others and math has been a passion of mine since the third grade. I have made it a goal to make a positive impact on the lives of others, whether it is through mentoring people or striving to instill in them a love for mathematics. A career in education allows me to reach both aspects of that goal.

What factors made you choose Point Park?

Point Park offered small classes and opportunity. After receiving the Presidential Scholarship, it was clear that I was meant to be at Point Park.

How did you land your teaching position at Crestview High School?

I believe these four factors helped me land my job at Crestview:

  • My knowledge about current topics in education;
  • The research I did about the school before the interview;
  • Creating a brochure about myself, my pedagogy and my credentials as a high school math teacher (which was recommended in my "Teaching in Secondary School" course at Point Park); and
  • An electronic portfolio I created while student teaching.

What were your favorite memories as a student at Point Park?

Socially, my favorite memories are living in Mt. Washington with my best friend senior year. I took the Duquesne Incline to Point Park every school day; it was a beautiful way to begin each day.

Academically, my favorite memories are my calculus classes and student teaching at Keystone Oaks High School.

What advice do you have for someone interested in the teaching field?

Make sure you are in it for the kids and have a passion for what you do. Go into your classroom every day (even after the bad days that make you rethink your career choice) knowing that you can make that "light bulb" turn on for someone - even if it is for just one student. Know that your students count on you, look up to you and often need your support. That is what makes a career in education worth it. It's not about the pay or having the summers off, but the fact that you touch lives every day.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

If I could do it all over again, I would still attend Point Park for my undergraduate degree. Point Park gave me the tools I needed to be successful in my chosen career field.


More About: alumni, scholarships, secondary education, education, mathematics, success story