While Tammie Ernst and Summer Heasley’s experience in the district largely differs, they both — with certainty — know that they’ve found their place in education.  

Ernst has taught Kindergarten at the Duquesne City School District for 26 years, while Heasley has been an autistic support teacher in the district for three years. Their passion and dedication for their students stands out and inspires their coworkers, so much so that they’ve been voted by their peers as employees of the month. 

“She goes above and beyond for her students,” said one coworker of Heasley’s. “She always has a bright, fun, light, and positive attitude.”  

“She is one of the kindest, most true, and most patient people and educators that I have ever met and have had the honor of working alongside of,” a coworker said of Ernst. 

Ernst, a naturally kind and caring person, said she thrives due to the support of her coworkers. She recognizes the important standing she has as a kindergarten teacher, and relishes the opportunity to set students up for success in the several grade levels after.  

“I love watching them grow, especially at this young age,” Ernst said. “I try to make their first school experience fun and give them that love for learning.” 

Similarly, Heasley is quite passionate about her job, approaching every day with a smile and a love for her students. It’s no surprise, given Heasley’s earlier recognition of the job she wanted to hold later in life.  

“I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was a little girl. When I came home from school, I would line up all of my stuffed animals and dolls on my bed and teach them everything I learned that day in school,” said Heasley.

“I've always loved special education and my mom works in special education. I knew I didn’t want to teach anything but special education. And since I’ve gotten this job, I’ve fallen in love with it even more.” 

In order to see her students thrive, Heasley said relationship-building and communication is key. For Heasley, that means finding creative ways to communicate with her students and continuous efforts to build relationships with families.  

“Communication between my students and parents is key. Once I get background on them, I can see what makes them happy and what makes them sad and what motivates them. They’re the sweetest,” said Heasley.  

“All of the little milestones that they reach are super gratifying. I feel like a proud parent of all of them. Their progress, looking at where they were at the beginning of the year and now where they’re at, they’ve made so much progress, and that just really makes me happy.”