The teaching associates for the Educational and School Psychology Department teach one section of Educational Psychology (EDSP 102) each semester. Teaching associate positions are awarded in the Spring of each academic year. Students admitted to the doctoral program in school psychology may request consideration for this position. Applicants whose grades and academic progress are satisfactory are given the opportunity to present a lesson to a committee of faculty members. The committee judges the presentations and awards the teaching associate positions accordingly.
Teaching Associates for the 2009–2010 academic year:
Gregory Boerio, M.Ed.
Greg is in his third year as a student in the School Psychology program at IUP and his second year in the doctoral program. Currently, Greg is working on completing his certification courses. He completed his Master of Education degree in August 2008 and is currently enjoying teaching EDSP 102. Last year, Greg worked as a graduate assistant for Dr. Gurmal Rattan and as a student advisor for the African American Cultural Center. Greg graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in May 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Theology. While attending Duquesne, Greg completed a practicum at the Arsenal Family and Children’s Center, where he worked as a classroom aid at the preschool level. During his time at Arsenal, Greg also monitored an individual student’s developmental progress and completed research related to early childhood development.
Akemi Parker, M.Ed.
Akemi is in her second year as a student in the School Psychology program at IUP and her first year in the doctoral program. Currently, Akemi is working on completing her certification courses to become a school psychologist. She completed her Master of Education degree in August 2009 and is currently enjoying teaching EDSP 102. Last year, Akemi worked as a graduate assistant for Dr. Edward Nardi, the assistant dean of the College of Education and Educational Technology. Akemi graduated from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., in May 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After completing an undergraduate degree, she began working in the educational field in a variety of positions, including a kindergarten teacher’s assistant, a fourth-grade teacher, and a behavior coach. The culmination of these experiences led Akemi to blend her psychology and education background and, ultimately, pursue school psychology work. Among her interests are working with students from diverse backgrounds, positive behavior support, and preliteracy skills.
Sarah Rosswog, M.Ed.
Sarah is in her second year of the School Psychology doctoral program at IUP and is currently working on completing her certification courses. She completed her Master of Education degree in August 2009 and is currently enjoying teaching EDSP 102. Last year, she worked as a graduate assistant for Assistant Dean Michele Norwood in the College of Fine Arts. Sarah graduated from Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa., in May 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While attending Penn State, Sarah worked in a developmental psychology lab where she was involved with research on topics such as perceived popularity and bullying among adolescents. During her work in the lab, Sarah was able to collect and analyze observational data related to school climate. Her research interests involve sexuality education curricula evaluation, issues related to LGBT youth, and special education for students with visual impairments.
