School of Education Alumna Lindsey Ramsey is Executive Director of Shady Lane School Alumni Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University?

I started my college career at 17 as a music major at another university. I dropped out by the end of my first year when I found out I was pregnant. I was a single mom and struggling to pay for the simple necessities for my daughter, so I was desperately looking for a job, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. Eastminster Child Care Center hired me as an aide in their infant room, which sparked my interest in pursuing an early childhood education career. The center director encouraged me to earn my Child Development Associate (CDA) certification through a program facilitated by TEACH and Point Park with evening classes at Shady Lane School.

Through the CDA program, I gained a deep understanding of the value of my work as an early childhood professional and decided to continue my education and pursue a career in this field, earning my A.A. in Education and B.A. in Instructional Studies with a dual minor in education and psychology at Point Park. I chose Point Park because I felt accepted in its learning environment. Point Park made pursuing my education while being a young, single mother attainable. Thanks to their flexible options for evening and online courses and incredible professional development opportunities, I have become a lifelong learner.

How did the instructional studies program prepare you for career success?

The instructional studies program helped instill a passion within me to create culturally responsive and inclusive environments for every child and family that I encounter. I have a creative mind, so I thrive at producing curriculum, but the instructional studies program helped me connect my creativity to creating curriculum that aligns with the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood and centers on the development of the whole child. I loved learning from the faculty and staff in the School of Education. They all hold so much knowledge and wisdom, and every professor was so responsive to our needs and made sure that we were successful in the program.

Describe your new role with Shady Lane School and what you enjoy about it.

As I mentioned, I took my CDA courses at Shady Lane, so it has always been a special place to me, the place that helped launch my early childhood career. Coming back to Shady Lane as the executive director is a full-circle moment for me. Shady Lane is a historical early childhood environment that holds roots to Phil Hallen, Fred Rogers and many leading contemporaries in the community, philanthropy and early childhood space. I am incredibly honored to serve as another early childhood leader dedicated to the mission and vision of supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in the sector.

This role holds a great deal of importance in my heart in relation to supporting representation in the field of education and especially early childhood education. As I learned more about early childhood policy throughout my career, I became an avid advocate for the elevation of early childhood workers and creating equity for those who support children and families, especially women of color who have been historically underrepresented and undervalued. As a Black woman who has achieved a leadership role within the field, it is my responsibility to advocate for greater representation and equitable supports to elevate the voices of other people like me embarking on this pathway. 

What advice do you have for aspiring educators?

Being an educator is a labor of love. Make sure you never lose sight of what made you fall in love with the work, and continue to let that guide you through your professional journey.

What are your fondest Point Park memories?

Point Park is such a creative space that welcomes free spirits! I remember walking through the halls and seeing students playing acoustic guitars, singing and having a jam session. There were dancers joyfully leaping in the hallway. Another memorable experience was having a class location changed to Point State Park so we could enjoy the scenery of the giant rubber duck art installation that came to Pittsburgh in 2013.

Why would you recommend Point Park's School of Education to a prospective student?

I recommend Point Park’s School of Education because the department embodies what they teach. When you enroll, you see diversity amongst your peers. You are offered inclusive learning opportunities tailored to your needs. You are given opportunities to participate in programs and activities that support your personal and professional growth. Point Park is truly an environment where everyone can thrive!

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." – Fred Rogers

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Connect with Lindsey Ramsey '13 '14

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