Jenna Gannon of Saxonburg to teach in China

ERIE, PA (09/26/2013)(readMedia)-- When opportunity came knocking for three 2013 Mercyhurst University early childhood education grads - including Jenna Gannon of Saxonburg, Pa., to teach overseas, they seized the chance.

Gannon joins fellow grads Shana Brown and Tawney Johnson in accepting 10-month teaching positions in Ningbo, China, through China's leading education service provider, Dipont Education.

The young women are currently in Ningbo, preparing to embark on a new after-school initiative that will have them using their native tongue and an American curriculum to teach English, math, science and art in a preschool program for Chinese children.

Besides her classroom experience, Gannon worked with children for two summers as a camp counselor. She said the combination of classroom experience and hands-on learning opportunities have prepared her for this bold, new adventure.

In addition to China, Mercyhurst students and graduates have also held teaching positions and internships in Haiti and Ireland.

About Mercyhurst University

Mercyhurst University, founded in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy, is a fully accredited, four-year, Catholic comprehensive institution in Erie, Pa. The university offers more than 100 majors, minors and concentrations as well as unique post-baccalaureate, advanced certificate and eight master's degree programs. In 2013, the university introduced its first doctoral program in archaeology. In addition, Mercyhurst provides certificate and associate degree offerings at branch campuses in North East, Corry and the Booker T. Washington Center. Learn more at www.mercyhurst.edu.