by Nevaeh Reese

Mrs. Kunkle is a school counselor who loves helping kids. I wanted to interview her so more students could get to know her and so I could get to know more about her as well.

Q: What do you like about being a counselor?

A: I like to help kids in need.

Q: What was your inspiration to start your career? 

A: I wanted to be the therapist I didn't have.

Q: What's a place you would like to visit?

A:The Caribbean

Q: What is your favorite season?

A: Summer!

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?

A: Social Studies.

Q: What's your favorite restaurant?

A: Chili’s

Q: Favorite book?

A: The Twilight series.

Q: Favorite color?

A: Pink!

Q: Best teacher friend?

A: Miss Shania. 

Q: What subject would you teach if you were a teacher?

A: History or ELA.

Q: What other job would you like to have?

A: A stay-at-home mom!

Q: Favorite band/singer?

A: Taylor Swift.

Q: When did you start as a counselor?

A: 2016.

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: I had a dog, but he passed away in March.

Q:What is your favorite hobby outside of school?

A: Spending time with my daughters.

by Ava George

We realized it’d been way too long since Mrs. Dunn had been interviewed and thought we’d ask some more questions.

Trojan Torch: Do you have any pets?

Mrs. Dunn: Yes! I have a fox-red labrador retriever named Jimmy. I love him so much!

Trojan Torch: What habits does he have that you love so much?

Mrs. Dunn: He is friendly and affectionate, and he is a very good snuggler. He also likes to jump, right? He weighs 100 pounds, he thinks he weighs 20 pounds.

Trojan Torch: What’s your favorite color?

Mrs. Dunn: Black.

Trojan Torch: How did you like the turnout of the cookie dough fundraiser?

Mrs. Dunn: We had a lot of students participate in the cookie dough fundraiser and although we didn't raise as much money as last year, I think we had a good turnout.

Trojan Torch: Is there anything we could’ve done to make it better? Such as more promotion, more encouragement, or even just more school spirit from students?

Mrs. Dunn: If we don't raise the money to do things, then we can't do them. So it is like part of school spirit and feeling connected to your school because If we don't have those funds from our fundraisers, then we can't do all the fun things we do in school.

Trojan Torch: Are you excited for any more school events?

Mrs. Dunn: I am super excited for some of the things that the seventh and eighth grade teachers are planning for Houses, but I can't give it away yet.

Trojan Torch: What are the different classes you teach?

Mrs. Dunn:  I teach a personal finance class to 8th graders. I teach a career exploration class to 7th graders. And I teach a computer applications class for 6th graders. 

Trojan Torch: What are your thoughts on chewing gum?

Mrs. Dunn: I don't really care if students chew gum. I have no opinion.

Trojan Torch: Are you going to any of the chorus and/or band concerts?

Mrs. Dunn: I usually try to attend one of our student performances throughout the year. I don't know which one I'll go to yet.

Trojan Torch: Final question: Who do you think will win the Christmas Tree Decorating Challenge? 

Mrs. Dunn: Well, Altruismo will, of course!

by Jacob Jones and Jaxson Fordyce

Mr. Redinger (aka Mr. Red) is a 7th grade math teacher at the Derry Area Middle School. He is funny, kind, and most students think he is one of the best math teachers. He makes funny jokes and messes around with his students in a fun way. The kids like him a lot. He is a very good teacher and a great person. He was kind enough to meet with us and shared a little more about himself.

Q - What is your favorite part of being a teacher?  

A - I love hanging out with the kids.

Q - How long have you been teaching? 

A - It’s my ninth year.

Q - Have you changed how you taught from last year? 

A- Yes.

Q - What did you change from last year how you teach?

A - I assign more guided and independent class work.

Q - Do you think kids like your teaching better this year 

A - Yes, I think they like it more.

Q - How long have you been teaching seventh grade? 

A - This is my sixth year teaching seventh grade. I’ve taught every grade from seventh to 12th.

Q - Is being a teacher a good career? 

A - It is very enjoyable!

Q - Do you enjoy math more than any other subject? 

A - I like math a lot. I do like history too, and science.

Q - What's your favorite movie? 

A - Interstellar!

Q - What do you do in your free time? 

A - I like spending time with my family and golfing.

Q - What inspired you to become a teacher?

 A - My older brother.

Q - What were you like as a student? 

A - I was wild and usually got Bs on assignments and tests.

Q - Do you enjoy working with the other teachers? 

A - Yes!

Q - What college did you go to? 

A - I went to Penn State.

Q - How many states have you lived in? 

A - I have lived in Virginia.

Q - What job would you do besides teaching? 

A - I would like to be a sales engineer.

Q - But do you enjoy teaching your students? 

A - Yes!

Mr. Redinger is easy to talk to and wants his students to do well. Hopefully he teaches here for many years to come!

by Georgia Skillings 

After looking through some of the past articles, I noticed Mr. Molnar had yet to be interviewed this year, so I decided to make it happen. He is our school counselor, as well as a football coach here at Derry Area Middle and High School. He was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer my questions. 

Q. When did you start coaching?

A. I started coaching here in 2010. 

Q. What made you want to start coaching?

A. I wanted to give back to the sport that bettered me.

Q. What made you want to become a guidance counselor?

A. I started coaching and wanted to work with teengers to help any kid in need.

Q. Who do you look up to?

A. My mom. She has done an amazing job at setting high expectations. 

Q. Is there another school you would want to try to work at?

A. No. I like the sense of family and community with people who work well together. 

Q. What's one place you would like to visit?

A. Italy, it’s where my ancestors are from. Specifically Sicily to see my distant cousins who live there.

Q. What's your favorite holiday?

A. Thanksgiving, because of the food! 

Q. How many pets do you have?

A. One dog named Palmer. He is a Shiba Inu.

Q. What other job would you like to have?

A. I already have it!

Q. What's your favorite color?

A. Green.

Q. What school did you go to?

A. Waynesburg University and then St. Vincent for my Masters degree.

Q. What was your favorite subject in school? 

A. History. 

Q. What's your favorite season?

A. Fall, because of football and the leaves.   

Q. What's your favorite food?

A. Pizza–I can always have it!

Q. How do you deal with stress? 

A. Positive self talk, talking with my wife, and coaching football. 

by Zoey Beemiller 

Mr. Hackman is a STEM teacher for both the middle school and high school. He is a great teacher who always makes an effort to make lessons more exciting, and is generally a mysterious person. Since nobody ever seems to make an effort to ask about his personal life, I decided to interview him and get some insights about one of my favorite teachers.

Q: What is your favorite unit in STEM?

A: Robotics and using drones are my favorite because I like seeing the kids use the drones and gush about how cool it is.

Q: What’s your favorite color? 

A: Green.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?

A: Smokey and the Bandit!

Q: What’s your favorite book?

A: Joe Paterno.

Q: Where is your family from?

A: Bradenville.

Q: Who is your favorite person on the staff?

A: I am not going to say because I like working with them all!

Q: Do you have any siblings? If so, how many?

A: Mrs Sabota is my older sister and I think it's funny that we ended up working at the same school.

Q: What did your parents do?

A: My dad worked at a factory growing up and my mom would bounce from job to job.

Q: Do you have any kids? If so, how many?

A: I have two daughters who both have bright futures.

Q: Which college did you go to?

A: California University of Pennsylvania. It’s in southwest Pennsylvania.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: I’ve always enjoyed working with children and helping them learn.

Q: What grade do you like to teach most?

A: My favorite grade to teach would probably be 6th grade because they are old enough so I don't have to take care of them, but young enough that I get to teach them the basics.

Q: What grade do you like to teach the least?

A: I never really liked teaching high schoolers in particular. Also, I wouldn't want to teach little kids.

Q: If you could teach any other subject, what would it be?

A: Probably something to do with Phys. Ed. or something else requiring physical movement.

Q: What did you want to be when you were little?

A: For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher and work with kids.

Mr. Hackman is a great teacher, not just because he always gives out candies to students, but because he is always helpful and clearly likes working with students. He has been a great person to have on the staff in Derry Area Middle School.

by Georgia Skillings and Bella Watkins 

Mr. Moximchalk, usually  just called “Mox” by everyone, is our Middle School’s 8th grade American Cultures teacher. He has not been interviewed by our newspaper in quite a while, so we decided it was time again. Mox is very well known for his sense of humor, his oversharing about the details of his favorite foods, and his intense feelings towards Penn State, but here are some other things you may not know about him. 

Q: When did you start teaching?

A: 2003.

Q: If you didn't teach, what would you like to do?

A: I’d like to be a pro golfer!

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: NY strip steak and french fries.

Q:  If you could teach any grade other than 8th grade, what would it be? And why?

A: 12th grade, I think I’d enjoy working with older, mature people.

Q: What is your favorite snack?

A: Oranges.

Q: Who is your favorite teacher in our building?

A: It’s a tie between Mr. Smith and Mr. Redinger.

Q:Did you go to Derry? 

A: No, I went to Greensburg Central Catholic.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?

A: GOLF!!

Q: What college did you go to?

A: St. Vincent.

Q: What is your favorite indoor activity to do outside of school?

A: Going to the gym.

Q: What is your favorite technique to use when teaching? 

A: Lecturing. 

Q: How would you describe your classroom management structure? 

A: Uhh uhh…firm and fair. 

Q: How do you manage high-speed students who answer quickly?

A: Ask them more questions. 

Q: Why did you start teaching?

A: I just thought I would enjoy it.

Q: What was your favorite year of teaching?

A: All of them have been good!

As you can see, Mr. Moximchalk has been here for over 20 years now. He seems to enjoy teaching us about American Cultures, and he’s definitely a favorite among the students here.

by Derek Lee 

Mrs. Robinson is one of our seventh grade teachers and has only been working here for a few years. I thought it would be cool to learn some more about her, and she was nice enough to agree to an interview. I learned a lot and think you will too. Take a look.

Trojan Torch: What school did you go to when you were in middle school?

Mrs. Robinson: Derry.

Trojan Torch: How were your school days when you went here?

Mrs. Robinson: Good! I remember doing Farkleberry when I was here.

Trojan Torch: What was your favorite subject in school?

Mrs. Robinson: Math.

Trojan Torch: What job did you originally want when you were in school?

Mrs. Robinson: Teaching.

Trojan Torch: What made you want to be a teacher?

Mrs. Robinson: I always wanted to work with kids and be around them.

Trojan Torch: Did you ever want to move when you got older or did you move?

Mrs. Robinson: No, I always wanted to stay close to my family.

Trojan Torch: What do you like most about teaching?

Mrs. Robinson: Working with kids all day, and making a difference.

Trojan Torch: What do you dislike most about teaching?

Mrs. Robinson: All the paperwork.

Trojan Torch: Can you describe your teaching style?

Mrs. Robinson: I feel like I am a hands-on teacher.

Trojan Torch: How do you manage your teaching duties?

Mrs. Robinson: Good time management, and taking work home when I need to.

Trojan Torch: Let’s get more random! What is your favorite food?

Mrs. Robinson: A Jaffre’s cheeseburger with fries.

Trojan Torch: Would you rather be in the marching band or concert band if you could?

Mrs. Robinson: Marching Band.

Trojan Torch: What is your favorite hobby?

Mrs. Robinson: Reading.

Trojan Torch: What is your favorite place to visit for fun?

Mrs. Robinson: The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

Trojan Torch: How many military divisions can you name?

Mrs. Robinson: Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines. [Author's note: The divisions I know include: United States Special Operations Command [SOCOM], Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, National Security Agency [NSA], Coast Guard, United States Military Education [USME] or Enlisted Professional Military Education [EPME], and Air National Guard.]

Mrs. Robinson is doing the job she always wanted. She is very helpful and we’re glad she got hired here.

by Georgia Skillings and Bella Watkins 

Miss Bonar joined us this year at Derry Area Middle School, where she teaches 8th grade ELA. After her year of student teaching here, "Miss B" as she’s called by her students decided to stay and was hired full time to teach! We decided to interview her to learn more about her background, favorite things, hobbies, and what made her want to start teaching. 

Trojan Torch: What inspired you to start teaching?       

Miss B: I wanted to be a helpful, kind teacher and become the type of teacher who helped me!

Trojan Torch: Did you go to PreK?

Miss B: Yup!

Trojan Torch: Do you have any siblings?

Miss B: I have an older brother. 

Trojan Torch: Did you go to Derry?

Miss B: No.

Trojan Torch: Are there any other schools you'd like to teach at?

Miss B: Lesser teachers might be interested in teaching at Latrobe, but I would never want to work anywhere else! I love it here at Derry! 

Trojan Torch: What's your favorite food

Miss B: Ice cream!

Trojan Torch: What's your favorite sport?

Miss B: Tennis. 

Trojan Torch: What’s your favorite project you’ve done with students?

Miss B: Survive or Die before reading Lord of the Flies!

Trojan Torch: Where in the world do you want to visit?

Miss B: Paris 

Trojan Torch: Favorite book?

Miss B:The Great Gatsby 

Trojan Torch: Favorite song?

Miss B: Anything by TS

Trojan Torch: Favorite teacher?

Miss B: Mrs. Huber! 

Trojan Torch: How do you deal with stress?

Miss B:Taking breaks and putting my mind on different things. 

Trojan Torch: Would you ever coach a sport? 

Miss B:Yeah! Tennis or track!

Trojan Torch: If you could do any other job what would it be?

Miss B: A writer! 

Miss B brings positive energy with her everywhere she goes. We are lucky to have her.

by Marissa Eldridge 

If you have been in this school a while, you probably know Mrs. Cox and might find her interesting like I do. I decided to put some questions together to help all of us get to know her better.

Q: When did you start teaching?

A: 1993.

Q: Who inspired you to start teaching?

A: My fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Kozemack.

Q: Is there any other school you would like to teach at?

A:No!

Q: If you didn't teach, what would you like to do?

A: Be a travel agent.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Chocolate!

Q: What is your favorite drink?

A: Coffee.

Q: What is your favorite sport?

A: Tennis.

Q: What is your favorite music genre?
A: Pop.

Q: What is your favorite musical artist and song?

A: Genesis and With Or Without You by U2.

Q: If you could teach any grade other than 6th grade, what would it be? And why?

A: Third grade because I can remember teaching third and they could read and write, but they also were sassy!

Q: Did you do well in school? What was your motivation?

A: Yes. My motivation was I didn't want to get in trouble at home.

Q: What is your favorite project to do with kids?

A: Any project with group work because it is good to develop the skill of working together.  

Q: What is one project you are looking forward to this year?

A: When we talk about World Water Day.

Q: Where is one place you want to visit?

A: New Zealand

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

A: Thanksgiving because you get to be with family. 

I hope you learned some new things about Mrs. Cox from her answers. But one thing we should all know already is that she is one of the best teachers ever!

by Cora Mentch 

A lot of 6th graders have Mr. Keller for ELA. He teaches an Advanced ELA class, regular classes, and he is also the girl's basketball coach! I decided to get to know him better, behind the “screens.”

Q. How do you feel about teaching 6th grade?

A. I like 6th grade because I enjoy the age group.

Q. How long have you been teaching at the middle school?

A. This is my 4th year.

Q. What is your favorite book?

A. A Wrinkle in Time

Q. What is a good management structure that works for you?

A. Lots of fun and games.

 Q. What is your favorite movie/show/series?

A. Drive to Survive.

 Q. What is your favorite song?

A. Have You Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Q. What is your favorite food/snack?

A. Pizza of any type except with pineapple.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher?

A. My 3rd grade teacher Mr. Stofa.

Q. How do you deal with stress?

A. Physical activity.

Q. How many pets do you have?

A. Just one dog named Maggie.

Q. If you could have any other job, what would it be?

A. An archeologist.

Q. What motivates you to get up and teach?

A. Seeing happiness in students.

Q. Why is this job important to you?

A. Because the students are our future.

Q. What got you into this career?

A. My mom was a teacher.

Q. Do you like being the girls' basketball coach?

A. Yes. Some days though!

As you can see, Mr. Keller has an interesting background and life experience that helped him become the teacher he is today. I thank Mr. Keller for letting me interview him in spite of his busy schedule.

by Ellie Bridge and Alexa Jelley 

Mrs.Griffiths is the only 6th grade science teacher, but she is one in a million to her students. We decided to interview her and ask her some questions about her personal life and her school life.  

Torch Staff: Why did you want to become a teacher?

Mrs.Griffiths: So I originally wanted to become a vet, but I wanted to start early and teach.

Torch Staff: What other grade would you like to teach?

Mrs.Griffiths: I taught 7th, and I wanted to teach Chemistry.

Torch Staff: How long have you been teaching?

Mrs.Griffiths: I have been teaching since 2009.

Torch Staff: How long have you had horses?

Mrs. Griffiths: Since I was born. I grew up with them.

Torch Staff: What was your favorite year of teaching?

Mrs. Griffiths: Hmmmm, probably my first year.

Torch Staff: How many schools have you taught at?

Mrs. Griffiths: Just as a permanent teacher at Derry, but I have subbed at other schools.

Torch Staff: If you could only have one tool to teach with, what would it be?

Mrs.Griffiths: Probably a projector.

Torch Staff: What opportunities do you offer students?

Mrs. Griffiths: The opportunity to do really well as long as they do their work.

Torch Staff: What is your favorite color?

Mrs. Griffiths: Burgundy. 

Torch Staff: Who is your favorite horse?

Mrs. Griffiths: Kissi.

Torch Staff: How many pets do you have? 

Mrs.Griffiths: I have 16.

Torch Staff: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Mrs. Griffiths: I would love to visit Europe just because I have never been there before.

If you don't know already know, Mrs. Griffiths is an amazing teacher and she deserves to be known! She will always be the best science teacher to the 6th graders!

by Claire Zurinsky 

Despite having several students with her throughout the day, every day, Mrs. Rachocki made some time for me to interview her. She has an interesting job in our building, and as you'll see from our interview, she is a very interesting lady.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I have lived in Derry since I was 12 years old.

Q:Did you go to Pre-K?

A: No.

Q: Did you go to Derry? 

A: Yes, but not until 6th grade.

Q: Do you have any siblings?

A: Yes, I am the oldest of four.

Q:Do you like what you do?

A: Absolutely! I have the best job!

Q: How would you describe your job?

A: I get to spend my day with the most awesome kids ever!

Q:  Why did you start teaching?

Ans: I fell in love with putting my friends' kids on the bus in the morning. Covid hit, and I wasn’t allowed to anymore. The kids went back to school. I missed them so I decided to go to the nearest school, see the kids again and work with them.

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?

A: The horticulture program.

Q: If you had to choose another job, what would it be?

A: If I didn’t work here, I would probably work with animals.

Q: Do you have any pets?

A: Yes, I have four inside cats, two outside cats, one goat, and two chickens.

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Blue.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Pizza.

Q: What is your favorite season of the year?

A: Summer.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?

A: We ride quads at our camp.

If you see Mrs. Rachocki in the hallway, definitely say hello to her. She is kind and friendly to everyone she meets. Her students are lucky she decided to come work in our building.

by Evan Sanders 

Upstairs in the middle school is mostly reserved for sixth grade. However, we have one lone 8th grade teacher tucked away up there who specializes in science. She is Mrs. Fordyce, and many students love her and her class. I went up to see her and got to know her better. 

Q: Where did you attend high school?
A: Penn Trafford.

Q: What college did you go to?
A: IUP.

Q: What was your major in college?
A: Elementary Education (Concentration in Math), and Middle Level certification in Math and Science.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher in school? Why?
A: Mr. Mickey. He made learning really fun and he always had a positive attitude.

Q: Who inspired you to be a teacher? How?
A: I had a lot of great teachers in school who inspired me.

Q: When did you start teaching?
A: 2007

Q: Where did you start teaching?
A: Franklin Regional 

Q: What is one of your teaching pet peeves?
A: When students are unkind or rude to each other.

Q: What did you teach your first year?
A: I was a substitute.

Q: What is your favorite lesson to teach?
A: Chemical Reactions.

Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity to do outside of school?

A: Running.

Q: What is your favorite indoor activity to do outside of school?
A: Playing board games with my kids.

Q: What is your favorite movie? Why?
A: Moana. I like the music and the moral of the movie.

Q: What is your favorite television show? Why?
A: Loki. It is very exciting to watch!

Q: What is your favorite food to eat and to make?
A: My favorite to eat is Seafood Alfredo. My favorite food to make is waffles.

As you can see, Mrs. Fordyce is a teacher whose class is loved by all for her positive attitude and fun, interactive teaching style. Most students will have Mrs. Fordyce in 8th grade, and I can assure you that you will have a good and fun time in her class.

by Ella Deloizer and Silvia Cinamella 

Mrs. Huber is one of our 8th grade ELA teachers and the director of Student Leadership. She is a very busy woman! Still, she was kind enough to make time for us to sit down with her to get to know her a little bit better. 

Q: Did you go to Derry when you were younger?

A: I went to Penn Trafford. 

Q: What year did you start teaching?

A: 2005.

Q: Have you always taught ELA?

A: Yes.

Q: Why do you like teaching ELA?

A: I love seeing students!

Q: What subject would you teach if you had to teach something else? 

A: Art. 

Q: What grade would you teach other than 8th grade?

A: 9th. 

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: The Giver.

Q: What is your favorite genre of book?

A: Nonfiction.

Q: If you could change anything about your classroom, what would you change?

A: I’m happy with my classroom.

Q: What is your favorite technique to use when teaching? 

A: Mix it up!

Q: What is your favorite movie genre?

A: Law or action.

Q: If you could buy any book in the world that you haven’t read, what would it be?

A: Breath. 

With how busy Mrs. Huber is, it is no wonder she wants to read a book about catching her breath! She has an interesting history and an amazing personality. Her love for teaching and ELA is obvious to anyone who meets her. We’re lucky to have her in our school.

by Cora Mentch

If you have noticed a teacher rolling around the hallways on a little cart over the last few weeks, chances are it was Mrs. Yanoff, one of our sixth grade ELA teachers. Despite having an injured foot, she was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to speak with me and let me learn a little more about her.

Q: What made you decide to teach? 

A: Working with children and having a former teacher who never gave up on me. 

Q: Where did you go to school? 

A: Derry Area School District.

Q: How many schools have you taught at? 

A: I taught at five schools, including substituting.

Q: How would you describe your classroom management structure? 

A: Structured with defined expectations.

Q: What is a good strategy that you teach your kids that works?

A: Come to class prepared.

Q: How could you manage high-speed students who answer quickly? 

A: I would ask to be respectful, but give others a chance. It also teaches students to be patient.

Q: How do you deal with stress? 

A: Music can calm me down and get the negative emotions out the door.

Q: What do you do to help you calm down if you are in a bad situation?  

A: Breathe and tell myself that things could be worse.      

Q: What would be the best comfort food in your opinion? 

A: Mashed potatoes.

Q: What’s your favorite pet? 

A: Tic Tac, my cat. 

Q: Who would be the coolest teacher in 6th grade if they got hired? 

A: Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson. 

Q: What is your favorite show or movie to watch? 

A: NCIS many years ago.

Q: What is your favorite book? 

A: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carlisle.

Q:  What is your favorite song? 

A: "Soul Shine" by The Almond Brothers.

Q: What would be your favorite subject other than ELA? 

A: Phys. Ed.

Mrs. Yanoff had a lot of good strategies and advice to help students deal with stress and be successful. She also has many interesting favorites worth checking out. Hopefully, she's feeling better and back on both feet soon ready to help even more students.

by Ashley Ott

If you’re like me and love art, you might want to learn more about what it’s like to be an art teacher. Therefore, I decided to interview our amazing DAMS art teacher, Mrs. Perri. She is the best art teacher I have ever had and after reading our interview, you will understand more about how and why she teaches art and maybe even expand your imagination. 

Q: What are the pros and cons of being an art teacher?

A: The pros are that most kids are excited about doing art. Also, getting to see all the kids' imaginations come to life is great! The con is doing the prep-work for all the art projects. 

Q: Is it hard to be an art teacher?
A: I think it is as hard as being any other teacher I suppose.
Q: How do you manage an art classroom?
A: I have to control the chaos and trust that the students will take the process into their own hands.
Q: Would you ever want to be a high school teacher?

A: Yes, I have thought about it because of the more advanced projects that would be fun to do.
Q: Why did you want to be a middle school teacher?
A: I knew I wanted to do something with art and be able to work with different mediums. A teacher was a great fit for that. It wasn't until teaching that I thought older kids were easier to teach.

Q:If you could have a superpower what would it be?
A: That’s a hard question, hold on let me think about it for a second. Maybe telepathy because you can control people and things with your mind.
Q: If you wanted anything in the world what would it be?
A: Financial freedom.
Q:  What is your favorite subject besides art?

A: I like history because I enjoy learning from the past and ancient cultures. I also have a Minor in History.
Q:What is your least favorite subject?
A: Math, because I am really bad at it.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: My all-time favorite book is a kids book Black Beauty.

Q: What is your plan for the future?
A: Jeez Louise, I suppose I would continue teaching art. I am also looking forward to my son, who is in kindergarten now, coming to the middle school in five or six years.
Q: Have you ever wanted to do something that you haven’t been able to do?
A: I want to do lots of things. I want to travel to Europe one day because it would be fun. I would also like to travel out to Montana. They have things to herd cows and doing that would be fun.
Q: What brings you joy?
A: I like to paint and run because both of them clears my mind.
Q: What major did you graduate with? From where and in what year?

A:  I graduated with a Bachelors in Art Education from Edinboro in 2005.
Q: How do you feel when you inspire others to create art or anything that you enjoy as well?
A: I love when you see a spark and feeling of accomplishment in others. Seeing that is a special feeling.

Mrs. Perri is a very amazing person and educator. She has inspired many to explore their imagination and creativity. We are lucky to have her here in our school! 

by Ashley Ott

Mrs. Bridge is a 7th grade Math teacher who has a lot of passion for teaching kids. I wanted to find out more about her and what makes her strive to be such a good teacher.

Q: What made you decide to be a math teacher?

A: I was interested in trying to help students do something that is hard for them and make them better at it.

Q: What major did you get a degree in and in what year?

A: I have a Bachelor's degree from Saint Vincent in Psychology and Education I earned in 2007. I also have a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University in 2010.

Q: Is it hard to keep track of assignments/work details? How do you stay organized?

A: It does require a lot of effort to be a teacher. I do use Google Classrooms, which does help keep track of things for my work and students.

Q: Is it hard to be a teacher? What is the most challenging part of your career?

A: It is hard being a teacher, but the most challenging part of being a teacher is trying to get students to see why math is important. 

Q: Would you ever consider being a high school teacher?

A: No, I would not because I like middle school more. Also because I want to help students to find where they belong. I also help them find that answer that they are looking for.

Q: If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you have?

A: No idea! A teacher is always what I wanted to be.

Q: If you had a super power, what would it be?

A: I would have super speed, so it wouldn’t take long to get from one place to another.

Q:  What hobbies do you like to do outside of school?

A: I like/love to read, exercise, and sing in a choir.

Q: Is it hard to have time for things both inside and outside of school?

A: Yes, it can be hard to find a balance between work and life at home.

Q: What is your favorite subject besides math?

A: I like reading.

Q: What do you have planned in the future?

A: I want to travel more when my children are out of college and maybe move out of Pennsylvania.

Q: What did you want to do when you were younger?

A: I always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little.

Q: What do you think is a major thing to know when teaching kids?

A: A major thing to know and have is patience because not all students get what you're teaching. It's important to not get frustrated while teaching.

Q: Before you became a teacher, how was your school experience?

A: I had a good school experience. I loved school, and I liked learning new things and loved classes.

Q: If you could go back in the past what would you change?

A: That is a tough question! I think I would have tried to take a semester and learned in a foreign country. 

As you can see, Mrs. Bridge has a very interesting background and shared many experiences she had when becoming the person and teacher she is today. I thank Mrs. Bridge for letting me interview her and learn more about her life and career.

by Ella Delozier

If you paid attention to the A-hallway classrooms over the past year, you will have noticed that there is a new greeter standing at the door of A108. That is because Mrs. Scott has replaced Mrs. Law as the new math teacher in 8th grade. She was nice enough to sit down for an interview to help us learn a little more about her as a teacher and person.

Q: Why did you want to teach math? 

A: I always loved math! 

Q:What was your favorite subject in school?

A: Math and science.

Q: If you could teach any other subject, what would it be?

A: science because experiments are fun!

Q:How do you identify students who are struggling with math?

A: Walking around and checking in with them. 

Q:What resources do you have available for struggling students?

A: There are tools online, websites, and tutoring. 

Q: Do you help students with work? 

A: Yes, if they need help.

Q: What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

 A: I can tap dance!

Q: What is one of your hidden talents?

A: Tap dancing! 

Q: What is the toughest thing about teaching math? 

A: Helping students find their confidence.

Q: Why did you choose our school to teach math?

A:  I was a student teacher here.

Q: What is your favorite unit to teach?

A: Solving equations. 

Q: Did you find math fun or entertaining in school?

A: Yes! I find math to be fun! 

Q: What year did you start teaching math? 

A: 2013.

Q: Did you want to be anything else before you started? 

A: I always wanted to be a teacher.

Q: What school did you teach before Derry?

A: Culpeper Middle School in Virginia.       

Mrs. Scott seems very happy to be back at our Middle School. She also really seems to love math. Hopefully, she will be able to help her students gain confidence for years to come.

Mrs. Self is the new 8th-grade ELA teacher who used to teach English and History in our high school. She allowed me to interview her and dive into both her teaching and personal life.

Pre Teaching Life

Q: What was your favorite school subject as a kid? Why?
A: History. It is interesting to learn about the past.

Q: What was your college major?
A: Social Studies Education.

Q: What words would you use to describe yourself as a student?
A: Quiet, mediocre, and good listener.
 

Q: Did you ever think that you would be a teacher?
A: No.

Teaching Life

Q:  When did you start teaching?
A: 2013.

Q: Where did you start teaching?
A: Derry.

Q: What subject did you teach in your first year?
A: I was a substitute.

Q: What is your favorite topic to cover? Why?
A: Presidents. Some of the presidents were fascinating!
 

Q: What is your favorite book to read with your class?
A: The Crucible.

Outside of School

Q: What is your favorite book? Why?
A: Unbroken.  I love how inspiring the story is.

Q: What is your favorite movie/TV show? Why?
A: Clue. It is hysterical.

Q: What is your favorite genre of books? Why?
A: Historical Fiction. I love history.
 

Q: What are your favorite activities to do?
A: Hiking, playing with my daughter, I like to dine out, and eat ice cream!
 

Q: Who is your favorite actor or actress? Why?
A: Ryan Gosling. He is cute!

When walking in the hallway, you may see a teacher with a backpack walking swiftly to the high school. You will probably also see students greeting him left and right! This teacher is Mr. Roble, our schools' band teacher. Now, I say schools' band teacher because he teaches both the high school and the middle school! While doing this, he is also busy with the marching band and other musical activities. Thankfully, I got to sit down with him and prove that even though he’s busy, he sure is a funny guy that takes music very seriously. 

Q: How did you decide to become a music teacher?

A: I just really loved being involved in music in high school and had some very inspirational teachers. I thought I could share that passion with my own students.

Q: What’s your favorite part of being a music teacher, or just a teacher in general?

A: Seeing the lightbulb moment when a student has been struggling with something for awhile.

Q: Do you have a favorite instrument?

A: I like all instruments equally (as a teacher) but I've played percussion the longest.

Q: Do you look up to anyone who created music? Were they your inspiration to pursue music as a career? 

A: The teachers I had in high school definitely inspired me to become a teacher. I also look up to Mrs. Kerin.

Q: What’s your favorite genre of music?

A: It depends on my mood. I can listen to pretty much anything. 

Q: As a student, what was your favorite class or sport that you participated in? 

A:Jazz band and marching band.

Q: Do you have a favorite section of the band?

A: All of them.

Q: If you could only play one instrument for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

A: Cowbell!

Q: Did you enjoy band as a student?

A: Yes, very much so.

Q: When you were a kid, did you expect to someday be a music teacher? 

A: At first, no. I wanted to train and become a professional chef.

Q: Is there a song you like that you wouldn’t admit to many people?

A: "Friday" by Rebecca Black. I don’t think it deserves the criticism that it gets.

Q: Do you have a favorite band? If so, who is it?

A: Led Zeppelin

Q: If you could meet any musical artist, who would it be?

A: Paul McCartney.

Q: Do you have a go-to karaoke song?

A: "Tequila" and "It's All Coming Back To Me" by Celine Dion.

Q: What’s it like being in the Pittsburgh Steeline?

A: A lot of fun! It makes me very busy in the fall, but definitely  some of the most fun I’ve had in my life. We’re on our 100th game. I've been to every single one!

In conclusion, Mr. Roble truly embodies a love of music! While he is very funny, Mr. Roble is also a great teacher that does an amazing job introducing music into students' lives, just as his teachers did for him as a student.

Mrs.Gordon is one of two 6th-grade math teachers. She is an awesome teacher, who is kind and sweet to her students.  Mrs.Gordon is also on our SHIELD team here at the Middle School. We took it as our task to ask her some questions about herself. Here are a few things we learned from Mrs. Gordon. 

Torch Team: Why did you become a teacher?

Mrs. Gordon: “I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids the way my teachers helped me when I was little.”   

Torch Team: Who inspired you to become a teacher?

Mrs. Gordon: “My first-grade teacher.”

Torch Team: How did you behave as a child?

Mrs. Gordon: “ I think I was a good student and when I was younger, I did gymnastics and cheerleading.”

Torch Team: Why did you decide to teach math?

Mrs. Gordon:“ Because math is not something that is easy for everyone. It doesn't click for everyone, but it did for me!"

Torch Team: Who was your biggest supporter when you started teaching?

Mrs. Gordon: “My mom.”

Torch Team: How long have you been teaching including student teaching?

Mrs. Gordon: “I have been teaching for seven years.”

Torch Team: And how many schools have you taught at including student teaching?

Mrs. Gordon: “I have taught at six different schools, but I'm happy this one worked out, because some just don’t work.”

Torch Team: What grades have you taught?

Mrs. Gordon: “I can teach from 4th grade all the way up until 12th grade, but I have taught from 5th to 11th graders. Sixth is my favorite!”

Torch Team: What other subject or special would you teach?

Mrs. Gordon: “I would teach Science, but I like math more because it’s the thing that clicked for me.”

Torch Team: How do you relieve stress from all of your school work and regular work?

Mrs. Gordon: “I work out and get rid of some energy and definitely take naps.”

Torch Team: What is your favorite movie to watch and what was your favorite as a child?

Mrs. Gordon: “Growing up my favorite movie was The Parent Trap, but now I could just watch any good Disney movie.”

Torch Team: Did you grow up in Derry?

Mrs. Gordon:  “No, I actually grew up in Delmont and went to Greensburg Salem.”

Torch Team: Why did you want to teach in this school?

Mrs.Gordon: “ I was just happy that it worked out here and I got hired because it didn’t work at other places.”

Torch Team: If you were stranded on an island, what is one thing you couldn't go without?

Mrs. Gordon: “As long as I have the essentials covered like food, water, and shelter then I would have to say some nail polish!”

We are so happy to have Mrs.Gordon as our teacher. Even if you're not in her class, she makes you feel like you belong here.  We had so much fun interviewing her and learning facts about her.