From classroom projects and faculty relationships to ensemble performances and mission
trips, the well-rounded and varied experiences at SBU prepared Deborah Breon for her
career as a middle school and high school choir teacher in Monett, Mo.
Academic preparation is key to achieving career goals, and Deborah credits her SBU faculty and classes for the exceptional academic foundation she received.
“I was very prepared academically for my position because many of the projects I did in school I have been able to use as lessons in my teaching,” Deborah said. “I developed skills at SBU such as classroom management, lesson planning, and actualizing my teaching philosophy, which all influence my teaching now on a daily basis.”
Deborah’s professors provided the content and curriculum needed to equip her for her chosen career. Moreover, they provided the encouragement and advice she needed along the way.
“SBU faculty have always been supportive of me, pushing me to do my absolute best, and giving me new perspectives and resources,” Deborah said. “They have been there with me to rejoice in my successes and come alongside me to help when things didn't come as easily.”
It was an SBU faculty member who took time to get to know Deborah personally and helped launch her music education career. An area school district contacted Ken Spurgeon, assistant professor and coordinator of clinical experiences for the department of education, when they were in need of a choir teacher. Spurgeon recommended Deborah and arranged for them to interview her the very next day.
“That was a great first teaching position and I appreciated the confidence of the district in my abilities because of the respect they have for my alma mater,” Deborah reported. “SBU’s respected reputation as a university that prepares graduates to be servant leaders in a global society has opened many doors for me.”
Beyond the classroom walls, SBU equipped Deborah for her career through a variety of extracurricular activities, particularly music ensemble groups. Deborah participated in the SBU Chorale, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, an opera and a musical, several string ensembles, and the Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, Deborah had the chance to participate in and hold leadership roles in SBU’s chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
“These experiences gave me many opportunities to grow as a leader and sharpen my skills as a musician and teacher in the music field,” Deborah recalled. “Several people I worked with in these activities and organizations I still work with professionally today.”
And beyond just the academic preparation, Deborah values her SBU experience because of the spiritual preparation she also received. From participating on two mission trips with SBU to attending chapel services to growing in community with the girls who lived on her hall, Deborah says she grew in more ways than she can list.
“I grew so much at SBU. I was able to learn more about myself than I would have anywhere else,” Deborah said. “I would not have been able to dig as deep into my faith if I wasn’t surrounded by other Christians and many opportunities for fellowship in my most formative years after high school. I grew in the grace and knowledge of Jesus while many of my high school friends fell away from their faith at other universities. The atmosphere at SBU is one of encouragement and hard work. I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience.”
Quality academic preparation combined with unique spiritual growth opportunities have equipped Deborah to be a successful servant leader as she teaches music to young students today. She is grateful for the relationships built at SBU that she maintains yet today and the way those relationships – from faculty to students – helped her grow into the person she is today.
“SBU brought out the best in me: my ability to work diligently, and my love for the Lord and His people.”