For some individuals, their destiny is written in the stars. For Stephanie Rymer, it was on a blackboard.
“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl,” recalls the Norton native with a smile. “Both my parents are teachers and it’s just what I grew up wanting to do.”
Stephanie Rymer
On Saturday, Dec. 13, Eric and Susan Rymer’s daughter will fulfill her destiny as she crosses the stage at the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall to receive a B.S. in Education — Middle Level Education, summa cum laude. She also has been chosen to speak on behalf of the Fall Class of 2014 as the student responder.
The family business
Not only is she following in her parents’ career footsteps, Rymer also is a second-generation Zip. Her father earned a B.A. in Sociology in 1989 and an M.S.E. in 1998. Her mother earned a B.S.E. in 1991.
Rymer is going into teaching well prepared. She is licensed to teach math and social studies to students in grades four through nine, as well as science and language arts to students in grades four through six.
She first arrived at UA during her junior year at Norton High School to begin taking classes as a postsecondary student. The jumpstart on her college coursework means that she is graduating a semester early.
During her years at UA, the Honors College student and Scholarship for Excellence recipient was active in the College of Education’s Dean’s Dozen and in Campus Focus through The Chapel. Rymer also worked as a student assistant in the college.
“Campus Focus has been one of my favorite experiences,” says Rymer, who has served as a small group leader for UA students. “Personally and spiritually, I found a sense of community.”
Hands-on-experience
Before her student teaching assignment this semester at Barberton Middle School, Rymer, like all education majors, observed the styles of master teachers and completed field experiences in a variety of educational settings. Rymer did her field experiences at Holy Family School in Stow, and Case Elementary and East Middle schools in Akron.
Larry Weigle, a visiting instructor in the Department of Curricular and Instructional Studies at UA, whom Rymer regards as a mentor, says she is ready to be on her own in a classroom.
“Stephanie has qualities associated with the best students: lifelong learner, academic skills, perception,” notes Weigle. “Her perceptiveness also gives her notable people skills. Her understanding and genuineness allow her to work effectively with others.”
Rymer recognized that in herself while teaching two-step equations and basic geometry to seventh graders at East Middle School.
“These were students who did not love math, but I found a way to make it fun for them and they began to learn without realizing it,” says Rymer. “That moment when you see them get it, when they feel they can do it, that’s everything. I really love helping students make those connections.”