Naamah Shissler ’21 graduates this spring and is ready to take on the world of teaching with her degree in middle level education: science and social studies.
Shissler transferred to Shippensburg with a completely different major and received immediate support from the education department to complete her degree in three years. She said, “my professors have always made me feel like that they were active members of my education and are rooting for me, even as I leave Shippensburg University.”
“Teaching was not my first major, but it has become my passion.” She continued, “at my previous college, I tutored students and when I saw their success, I knew that teaching was for me. Since immersing myself in the school system, I have developed an even greater passion for education. I love the interaction with the students and sharing my love of learning.”
According to Shissler, “it is important for students to realize that it is fine to not completely know your path when you graduate from high school.”
As an exceptionally active member on campus, Shissler participated in the Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA), the national education honor society, Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), and the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA).
Shissler admitted her position on the National Science Teacher Association Preservice Science Teacher Committee “enhanced” her Ship experience above all else. As one of two students selected nationally, Shissler represented all preservice science teachers in the United States. In this role, she helped improve NSTA student chapters, drafted new initiatives, and presented at the NSTA Engage National Conference.
This fall, Shissler starts her career as a sixth grade science teacher at Londonderry Middle School in Londonderry, New Hampshire. She also plans to earn her master’s degree and would consider a doctorate someday, but wants to continue teaching middle school science.
She decided to take the leap and transfer after watching her brothers find success at Ship. She said, “it was easily one of the best decisions of my life. I love the large campus, the friends I have met, the professional relationships I developed with professors and the support throughout my education career.”
After spending three years at Shippensburg University, Shissler is sad to leave, “but once a Shipmate, always a Shipmate!”
