Summerbridge Teacher Perspectives

Each year, at the conclusion of our summer program, we ask our teachers to reflect on their Summerbridge experience. Below are some excerpts.

"They say that you know you're destined to become a teacher when you have that moment, that moment of pure joy - the kind that makes you want to cry. I was lucky enough to experience this feeling for the first time last summer. I enjoyed the experience of teaching 13 eighth graders in Writing through Literature. I was able to experience that same feeling again this summer. When I think of all of my students, I am just so proud, so taken aback with admiration."
Brittany Austin, History, University of Pittsburgh Class of 2009

"Teaching at Summerbridge Pittsburgh was an invaluable experience for me. I learned what it means to be a leader in and outside of the classroom, and about how difficult and rewarding leadership can be. I learned the value of optimism, energy, and dedication, and how to apply these values to everything that I do. Perhaps most of all, I learned about the value of education and the feeling of making a difference in someone else's life - a difference that can potentially effect their future in a substantial and positive way."
Deirdre Cerminaro, Cognitive Science, Yale University Class of 2006

"When I first started teaching, I couldn't imagine being part of this program. Now, I can't imagine not being part of it. I always thought that it would be too hard, that I was too young for such responsibility. I recall standing in the Senior School Commons during orientation in 2007, watching my first-ever Spirit Stick presentation. The first thought that popped in my head was, 'Yikes, what have you gotten yourself into?' Yesterday was our final Spirit Stick presentation, and the thought that popped into my head was, 'Yikes, how did it go so fast?' That's what Summerbridge does to you."
Patrick Joyal, Sewickley Academy Class of 2009

"The Summerbridge teaching experience is truly an amazing one. Not only do you see your students grow as young students, but you also get the chance to see yourself, along with other teachers, grow as young adults. I found it truly astonishing how the Summerbridge community was filled with open minds, caring hearts, and high expectations. The Summerbridge experience is one that you will never forget."
Jerrell Parks, Applied Math Secondary Education, Robert Morris University Class of 2006

"Helping students to succeed in school has been a life changing experience for me. The feeling you get from overcoming an obstacle of your own does not even compare to the feeling that you get when you help a student to succeed. There is no feeling in the world more precious to me than that feeling I got from helping my students, and it is that feeling that made my time at Summerbridge so memorable. The bonds that I made with students and co-workers will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Kelly Burk, Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh Class of 2007