EDUCATION STUDENT WORKING AT WESTERN PA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Meet Angel Mahnick
Job title: Teacher’s Aide
Employer: Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
Currently pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in Instructional Studies with Special Education Dual Certification
Expected Graduation: December 2013
Degrees earned: Associate in Science in Education, Community College of Allegheny County, 2012
Hometown: Beaver, Pa.
High School: Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
Now living in: Braddock, Pa.
Hobbies/Interests: Scrapbooking, the outdoors, planting, biking, kayaking and working with deaf children
Mahnick was recently featured in the Pittsburgh City Paper article “A Show of Hands: Angel Mahnick teaches by example.”
What factors made you choose Point Park?
I liked that Point Park is a private university with a small student-to-faculty ratio and that all of my credits from the Community College of Allegheny County were accepted. It’s been a learning experience for me but I am definitely becoming a city girl.
Why did you decide to major in education?
I’ve always wanted to work with deaf children because we share the same experiences. As a deaf person, I can show them how to be successful in their lives.
How has Point Park helped you as a deaf student?
Point Park has helped to meet my needs by providing me with interpreters. The supportive services and tutoring center have helped me a lot. Also, Dr. Vincenne Revilla-Beltrán has been especially great. She knew what I needed from day one.
What do you like best about working at the Western PA School for the Deaf?
Going to work is fun. Education is very important and I want the students to learn, but I also want them to enjoy themselves. I take time to joke around with them and have fun.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to be a teacher for deaf children. I’d like to stay in Pittsburgh but I’m flexible and willing to move outside of the area if that is where a job takes me. I’d also like to earn a master’s degree in deaf education.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I hope I have helped my Point Park classmates by giving them more exposure to deaf students. As they begin teaching in the public schools, they may have deaf students in their classrooms. Hopefully, they will remember having class with me and will be more knowledgeable of the needs of deaf students.
Source: Point Park University