March is Women’s History Month, when we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and contemporary society. With this series, we intend to highlight some of NPRC’s women for the work they have done throughout their careers and for their contributions to the College and higher education. In 2025, Women’s History Month has adopted the theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
Monica Schloder, the College’s Assistant Director of Disability and Career Services, has grown and pivoted through the education industry over her career. From her time as an early education teacher to private school administrator and now fulfilling a goal she set for herself as a young teacher to work in higher education; Schloder has proven that it’s not where the start of a career is – but rather the journey and all that’s learned along the way.
After Schloder completed her degree in elementary education (K-6) from Penn State University, she found limited teaching jobs in her home area of Emporium. While it was a tough reality, Schloder found a way to utilize her degree through The Guidance Center’s Early Intervention Program in Emporium as a home visitor working with families with children birth to three. It was a way to gain related experience in education until a position as a traditional classroom teacher became available. Or so she thought.
Monica put her professional career on a pause for several years and became a stay-at-home mom as she raised her daughters. However, this did not stop her from being involved as a volunteer for several causes including the public library, the cooperative extension board in Cameron County, religious education classes, served on her parish’s board, and was a board member and former vice president of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) through the Woodland Elementary School in Emporium.
Once her two daughters each entered school, Schloder returned to work and became a long-term substitute teacher, serving mostly in music education because of her background playing the flute exceptionally and even in the Penn State orchestra. After this stint, her career progressed from becoming a full-time teacher to principal of the former St. Boniface School in Kersey, to principal of St. Boniface School and St. Leo’s School simultaneously, and eventually to Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. She also earned a master’s from Gannon University in Curriculum and Instruction and a Principal K-12 certification through Gannon’s online programming, while also raising two teenagers and working full-time during this chapter in life. Needless to say, her career did not unfold how she once thought it would. But as Schloder stated, “Moms can often be the best managers and tend to wear many hats at the same time.” Doing so allowed her to raise her family and progress in her career at the same time.
“I think what’s neat about my journey is it really helped me realize that when I went to school and thought I’m going to be a teacher with a traditional classroom, but that’s not what panned out for me at all. That was a small piece to what I did, but I could use that early education degree in so many ways. I think it showcases to young women and young people that a college degree is a significant starting point and there is so much potential for their career after that.”
Schloder feels fortunate to have matched her education with purpose in every stage of her career. Each shift, as well as stop in her career, has allowed her to be a lifelong learner and remain in the education field. Matching purpose and education have been some of the best advice she’s received. “I believe you can never go wrong by educating yourself. You can always shift parts of your goals to meet them, and a strong support system is invaluable. No matter what’s going on in life, nobody can take education away from you and having people to believe in you and just be an ear to listen is a precious gift.”
One of her favorite parts about working at NPRC is the service aspect of the roles she’s worked in. Before assuming her current role, she served students as a student engagement specialist, now known as a student advisor. Being able to help empower learners, share about the resources and opportunities available at the College, and be a support person for learners was an experience that helped her to grow into her current role in being a leader in disability and career services for all those in the student body. “I enjoy working here because it fuels my growth mindset. There’s always something new to tackle and there are so many great people who work here who care about being that accessible option for those in our area. So many of these hard-working people here are women and they’ve been vital in getting us to where we are.”
Schloder feels fortunate to have grown up with a supportive mother and grandmother who each showed her the qualities of compassion, resourcefulness, simplicity, and warmness. Her mother raised five children and did so in an outward, joyous way. While her grandmother was a quiet and cozy person whom she admired for being such an amazing wife and homemaker in the years she knew her.
Her story showcases that careers and lives are truly unpredictable, but finding passion in each part of life can lead to wonderful opportunities. She once believed her career would involve a traditional teaching lifestyle, but her journey has allowed her to see many aspects of the world of education, while also raising a family. This often comes to mind as she guides working professionals and working parents through their education and career paths. “I love to see our students, and especially young women who may have never thought they’d go to college, become an NPRC student and change their entire life. It’s heartwarming to see them balance the different parts of their life, grow in their learning and careers, and become an even more well-rounded person when they graduate. Watching them gain confidence is something I never tire of seeing.”
Monica is only one of the many inspiring women at NPRC we are celebrating this month. Join us for one final feature to celebrate women in the workplace and inspire young women to explore an entire world of possibilities in their lives and careers!
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