Tawney Johnson of Smethport to teach in China

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

Johnson joins fellow grads Jenna Gannon and Shana Brown 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, Tawney has worked with preschool-aged children in a day-care setting and believes the combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience has prepared her for her first teaching job.

Meanwhile, it isn't all work and no play for these three. Sightseeing definitely tops their list of things to do during their temporary arrangement halfway around the world.

"This will be my first time outside of the United States, besides being on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls," said Johnson. "It's going to be an 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.