My Life, My Teaching: It starts with education at Illinois State

Alumni: Joyce Strubhar

Graduation Year:

'78

Occupation:

Teacher

Major/Minor:

Elementary Education

It Starts With Education

It starts with education. I have watched many people walk different paths in life. I know people who have succeeded as doctors, lawyers, accountants, mechanics, teachers, construction workers, farmers, truck drivers, restaurant owners, and tailors. There are millions of people serving various roles in this world. Yet, no matter how diversified these people are, there is one factor that they all have in common. They have all been educated in their task and their skills. They have all been taught how to serve their role in life.

Yes, it all starts with education. It all starts with a teacher. I believe that teaching is the most important job that exists. Teaching is the foundation to all learning. There is no greater task than to teach!

These are the thoughts that intrigued me to become an educator. My passion for children and desire to have an influence on the lives of others prompted my interest in becoming an elementary teacher. I have never regretted this decision and have come to realize that the longer I teacher, the more I enjoy it!

Was there a particular faculty member or class that helped shape your thinking on the role of educators?

Becoming an educator requires an education, as well! I began this education in 1974 at Illinois State University. The memories and accounts of people who have impacted my life as an educator since then are innumerable!

I still recall professors, mentors, and supervising teachers who guided and directed me through the CORE program and provided me a solid foundation for my role as a teacher.

I especially remember Mrs. Adams, the teacher who supervised me as I student taught at Stevenson Elementary in Bloomington. She mentored me through a semester of valuable experiences. I particularly appreciate her guidance in coordinating literacy centers in her classroom. Due to this experience, I followed the practice of implementing centers and small group reading activities into my curriculum at all grade levels that I have taught. I highly regard the success of this approach that I learned during student teaching!
Following fourteen years of staying home to raise a family and twelve years of teaching, I have returned to ISU to receive a Masters in Reading. I have found that little has changed in the twenty-nine years since I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. The staff continues to be very dedicated and supportive in their task to produce effective teachers. The programs continue to provide excellent experiences for learning. The rooms and hallways in DeGarmo continue to echo with lectures, classes, and meetings involving professors and students in education. Most importantly, the institution continues to provide an excellent program for the most important profession that exists—education!

Tell us about a new invention that came about during your teaching career and changed the way you taught.

There is no greater reward in life than to touch the lives of other people. I absolutely love this task of educating young children, as there is no greater joy than to watch them grow and learn. My education at ISU and experiences in my classroom continue to direct me in teaching these young hearts and minds. I continue to be reminded to never underestimate the potential and capabilities of young children. I am constantly reminded of the importance of social learning as well as book learning. I am also reminded of the significance of meeting the needs of each unique individual.

It starts with education. These four words hold the significance for all people in all walks of life. Yet, as educators, we benefit from the reality of knowing that we have made a difference in someone's life. We have helped students on their road to understanding the world around them. I will never forget a girl who struggled in my third grade classroom. During the course of the year, her parents and I guided her to believe in herself and succeed. Several years later, I continue to receive cards of thanks from her. She will graduate from high school next year, and I often reflect on the small, yet significant, impact that I had made in her life so many years ago.

Illinois State University was where my education started and continues. This fine institution has impacted my life in many positive ways so that I may impact the lives of my students. I have high regards for this University and am proud to be a participant of their education program. My passion for educating children all started with my education at ISU.

Yes, it is most certainly true: it all starts with education!