Education Alumna Courtney Blocher is a Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Carlynton School District

Meet Courtney Blocher '20

Job Title & Employer: Learning Support, Grades 4-6, Long-Term Substitute, Carlynton School District
Major/Program: Education Pre-K – 4th Grade
Graduation: December 2020
College Activities: Point Park University softball team, Honors Program
Scholarships: Athletic Scholarship
Hometown: McDonald, Pa.
High School: South Fayette High School
Now Living In: McDonald, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: Shopping, reading, coaching and working out

"The School of Education faculty and coursework provided me with a variety of teaching experiences in many different school settings. Throughout my classes, I was able to teach and observe in urban, suburban, private and center schools. Also, hearing about each of my professors' teaching experiences and watching how they taught helped me find my own style of teaching."

Courtney Blocher '20

What attracted you to Point Park's School of Education?

Ever since I was 4 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. On my preschool time capsule, I wrote that I wanted to be a teacher. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I found a love for accounting, as well. Before starting college, I was debating between two majors - elementary education and accounting.

When I first started at Point Park in 2016, I decided to go with accounting. I quickly realized after my first semester that teaching was my passion and decided to change my major. Although I loved accounting, my passion for working with children led me to changing my major. My love for working with children, school and making a difference drew me to teaching as a career. What attracted me to the School of Education was the degrees offered. I was able to work towards a dual certification in elementary and special education.

What was your favorite class and why? Favorite professor?

I loved all of my classes and professors at Point Park, but my favorite class was EDUC 250: Working with English Language Learners. I found this class to be very interesting and full of important information. I learned about the English language in depth and learned tips to help me teach not only English language learners, but English-speaking students as well. This course made me want to become certified in teaching English language learners. It is too hard to pick a favorite professor, but my favorite professors are Christal Edmunds, Ph.D.; Kamryn York, Ed.D.; Virginia Chambers, Ed.D. and Arleen Wheat, Ed.D.

Describe your student teaching experience and how it led to your current role.

My student teaching experience was unique and the first of its kind. I completed my student teaching at Manchester Academic Charter School all virtually from my house. I did not go into the school or have students in an actual classroom the whole time. My student teaching experience led to my current role because I found a love for the specialized teaching that comes along with special education. I love the small group work that allows me to work closely with the needs of my students.

My student teaching experience taught me to be flexible and taught me a whole new way of teaching. I am now able to teach not only in the classroom, but fully online as well.

How have the School of Education faculty and your coursework shaped you as a teacher?

The School of Education faculty and coursework provided me with a variety of teaching experiences in many different school settings. Throughout my classes, I was able to teach and observe in urban, suburban, private and center schools. Also, hearing about each of my professors' teaching experiences and watching how they taught helped me find my own style of teaching.

What are some of your favorite Point Park memories?

My favorite Point Park memories come from being on the softball team. I will never forget all our team-bonding activities, spring training in Florida, bus trips to away games, weekends in hotel rooms, home games and practices. I met my best friends through softball, and I will forever cherish the time I spent on the field with my best friends playing the game I love.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

I would recommend Point Park because of the small class sizes, the professors and the location. The small class sizes allow the professors to get to know you not only as a student but as a person, as well. All the professors I had at Point Park were amazing, caring and understanding. The location of Point Park is beautiful and unique.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am so thankful for my time at Point Park. Although COVID-19 canceled my senior season of softball, and my student teaching experience was not exactly what I had in mind, I have become a better person and am excited to start this new chapter in my life.

Education Alumna Courtney Blocher is a Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Carlynton School District Alumni Profile