SLU Public Information
STAR
STUDENT
Monica Koepp
Roark
Education
For 23-year-old Outstanding Teacher Education
Graduate Monica Koepp Roark, being a special-ed teacher for kindergarten through second grade
at Covington Elementary is a continuation of her own education.
"So far, it's been a very big learning experience. I'm glad Southeastern prepared me so well
for what was ahead," said the College of EducationŐs winner as she caught her breath and took a
well-deserved break from her classroom of emotionally challenged children.
Her new career may be full of new experiences, but a love for teaching keeps her just as
focused as she was in her college days. The best part of her job, she said, is watching progress in
the classroom. "My favorite part is watching the kids learn. I love it when they succeed," Roark
said.
An "average" high school student, Monica Roark said she knew she wanted to be a
teacher when she arrived at Southeastern, and she focused her energies on getting the most out of
her college education.
"All of the professors I came into contact with treated me professionally, and there were
so many--really all of them--who were always willing to go the extra mile and help me whenever
they could," recalled Roark. Some of the most helpful professors she named were Jeanne Burns,
Joe Bitner, and Beth Evans. "They really went out of their way and were exceptionally inspiring,
helpful, and encouraging," Roark said. "But if it weren't for the support of my parents, I wouldn't
have been able to do it," she added.
So while her professional goals with 5-year-olds may be somewhat different from her academic
goals of the past, fond memories of Southeastern are treasures she will keep a lifetime.
While here, Roark served as president of Kappa Delta Phi and the Student Council for
Exceptional Children. She also was a member of Gamma Beta Phi and Phi Kappa Phi.
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