At Provident Charter West (PCS West), our tuition-free charter school is known for our warm and caring 1st-5th grade learning environment. To get to know more about the people behind our school culture, we recently chatted with PCS West 4th/5th Grade Math and Science Teacher Sandi Slaven.
Here’s what she had to say!
What inspired you to become an educator?
This is my 33rd year teaching elementary students. I’ve always enjoyed working with children. My grandfather was a principal and my grandmother was a special education teacher. I grew-up loving school!
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was my 8th grade civics teacher, Mr. Charles Hughey. He was my favorite teacher because I learned so much in his class. He had very high expectations for his students. He had high expectations for academics, but also for behavior. He kept students engaged during direct instruction, and he provided fun activities for the students.
How does PCS West’s mission and vision align with your personal values?
I am passionate about every child receiving the best education possible for that child. For a democratic society to be successful, its citizens must be educated, informed, and critical thinkers. The mission of PCS West ensures that students are provided with a high quality, well-rounded education that is delivered through multisensory instructional methods and individual learning plans. At PCS West, every student is met at their level and given the tools to reach their full potential.
What do you love most about your role?
The thing I love most about my role as a teacher are the “ah-ha” moments. There is always a point in time, an event or an experience that creates an “ah-ha” moment for a student. One of my favorite moments is when a student (who did not like math) said that she never understood long division – then, she GOT it! At that moment she started to love math and she wanted to solve long division problems all the time!
Tell us a little about your life outside of PCS West!
Along with teaching, I served 21 years in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. I am a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. I have had many great experiences and adventures and I am looking forward to many more!
Talented, caring Provident Charter School West staff serve struggling readers with top-notch whole child education in a tuition-free charter school environment. Are you interested in learning more about how PCS West can be a fit for your child?
Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.
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About Provident Charter West
Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!