Dr. Heidi Hosey has been teaching at Mercyhurst College for 21 years. She came to Mercyhurst right after completing her master’s degree. While most of her credits were earned at Western Illinois University, she finished her degree at Gannon University.

When first hired, she was asked to direct the Basic Writing Program and then was asked to enter the tenure track. While teaching full-time at Mercyhurst, Hosey entered a PhD program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to complete her doctorate. She was tenured in 1995 and promoted to associate professor. In 2001 she was promoted to full professor and received the Teaching Excellence Award. While in the past Hosey has also worked in administrative positions within the offices of academic affairs and strategic planning, she returned to full-time teaching in 2007.

“Almost everyday I mix lecture with other kinds of things meant to get students actively working with the context. I am committed to the notion that students need to develop as many skills in the academic classroom as possible,” Hosey said.

She believes that while students may not remember everything they learn, they will remember the skills and competencies they have acquired, and such skills can bring them success in life. Sarah Price, a sophomore English major, says that “all of (Dr. Hosey’s)classes are guaranteed to be interesting. She holds the attention of her students very well.”

For Hosey, good teaching includes many different aspects, but is rooted in a few important things. Hosey believes that caring and believing in a student’s potential helps students to enjoy the process of working and finding their way in the world. She also believes that being a “perennial student” and loving to learn brings enthusiasm to teaching.

“I think my passion as a student is a big part of what my students see and appreciate in me as a teacher,” Hosey says. Lastly, Hosey believes that while it is important to have a plan, good teaching requires incredible flexibility in the classroom and the ability to let ideas develop organically.

“Some of my favorite moments in the classroom are the moments when I get a brand new insight that emerges from something a student said or from some activity or discussion. I love that,” Hosey said.

Dr. Scott Meier has been teaching at Mercyhurst College for seven years. Before coming to Mercyhurst, Meier was the Chair of the Department of Fine Arts at a high school in Bullhead City, Ariz. He earned his master’s degree from University of Redlands and his Ph.D. from Florida State University.

Before taking his position as an associate professor of music at Merychurst, Meier filled an interim position at the University of Connecticut. Meier says that in addition to wonderful colleagues and students, he has been able to teach his passions. When Meier first started teaching, he was involved in a group counseling program for students at risk.

“It was that experience that cemented how I would always be a teacher,” Meier said. Working with future music educators is a very rewarding experience for Meier, who always advises his students to “try and find a job where you get to have fun.”

Meier believes that good teaching must include a love for the students and a passion for the subject being taught. “The most rewarding moment in teaching is witnessing constant continual improvement.” While Meier teaches large groups such as the Mercyhurst Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, he also teaches one-on-one private lessons with students.

Sophomore Music Education major Erin Hepler said, “As a teacher and pupil, we make a pretty good fit. He is calm and quiet, but also very enthused about what he does and takes interest in all his students.”

Hepler says that Meier encourages the growth of his students and helps them by providing notes “for future educators.” She says that these little hints and observations are invaluable for a future educator. “The students here are real musicians. I love following their musical ideas and conducting such a great group,” Meier said.