A.W. Beattie welcomes new educators

Please join us in congratulating our newest full-time educators – Nicholas Sauer, Stevie Slogan and Evelyn Sussman.

Mr. Sauer has worked at the Career Center for 10 years in various roles and recently was named the Student Engagement Specialist.

In this new role, Mr. Sauer will work to ensure that A.W. Beattie students are ready for their post-high school career pathways, helping them craft their resumes, cover letters and thank-you notes. He will also assist our counselors with the PNC PartnerUp program and support instructors.

“I’m excited because this is something I love to do,” Mr. Sauer said. “I have the opportunity to use my certificates toward practical ends and to ensure students are prepared for their career pathway. I like that I can adapt my skillset to the needs of every student regardless of what field they’re in.”

Mr. Sauer earned his Bachelor’s degree at La Roche University and his Master’s degree from Youngstown State University.

“I also love working with students as a class or individually with their writing and communication skills,” he said. “The ability to communicate with a boss, a client and coworkers is so important in every field and that also can look different in each field. I’m looking forward to helping students develop those skills.”

Mrs. Slogan began working in January at the Career Center as an Instructional Assistant in the Cosmetology program.

She will be the fourth Cosmetology instructor, joining Cynthia Cazin, Sarah Christen and Joani Zelazowski.

“What I love about this program is that students can earn their license while they’re in high school so that they can be ready to enter the industry before they graduate,” Mrs. Slogan said. “I also love that I have three instructors here with tried and true lessons that I get to learn from. I’m excited to bring as much as I can to the program whether that’s teaching alternative techniques, branding yourself in this day and age, making connections and being a kind human. My number one thing in life and the beauty industry is communication. Everything starts with clear and respectful communication.”

Mrs. Slogan attended North Hills Beauty Academy and has more than 10 years of experience in the Cosmetology field.

She noted how her first five months in the program benefited her.

“I realized the impact I can have on students, but I also realize the impact they can have on me. It was a mutual learning experience,” Mrs. Slogan said. “I love being around the students, and it’s amazing how much they are already trying to learn through social media before they get here. When they do get here they are eager to learn so much. That doesn’t mean they can come in and skip the basics, but they’re often more well versed in the field as a starting point.”

Chef Sussman will be the Career Center’s newest Culinary Arts instructor.

She previously taught at a high school in Virginia for 10 years and Bidwell Training Center.

“I’ve learned from my experiences that teaching adults is definitely different compared to teaching high school students,” Chef Sussman said. “I’m really looking forward to igniting a passion in young people, sharing my knowledge and seeing how they grow and where they go.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator, Chef Sussman said, is when student realizes what they’re learning can be applied to Culinary school and working in the field.

“It’s great when a student returns from a culinary school and they’re excited because what they are learning is the exact same as what we’ve taught them and it’s making their transition easier,” she said. “I also love that they can connect their schooling to their real life, and if they want to they can make a career out of it.”

Chef Sussman earned her degrees at Virginia Tech University and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the Culinary Arts industry.

“I love making other people happy with great food,” Chef Sussman said. “I love being able to give something to someone who is going to enjoy it. That’s the most exciting part of being in the culinary field, and I want to ignite that passion in students, too.”