Teacher feature: couples edition

Kelly and Larry Detwiler both work in the music department. K. Detwiler is the high school and junior high school orchestra director. L. Detwiler teaches concert band, both jazz bands, wind ensemble and the new intro to guitar class. Both have been teaching for 32 years. If the Detwilers didn’t become teachers, they had other options in mind. “I was a math major in college and my ultimate g...

Deidra Dumm has been teaching physics for 15 years. Her spouse, Matthew Dumm, has been doing work experience and special education for 17 years. If the Dumms hadn’t become teachers, they had plans for other occupations. “I probably would have been in the medical or pharmacy field,” D. Dumm said. “I have a degree in occupational therapy, so probably the medical field,” M. Dumm said. ...

Christine Falger has been teaching chemistry for 22 years. Joseph Falger has been teaching math for 19 years. Neither of the Falgers have wanted to do anything except teaching. “This is what I wanted to do since second grade,” C. Falger said. “Since ninth grade, I’ve always known I wanted to be a math teacher,” J. Falger The Falgers met while working another job at a craft store. “We...

Jen Lowe teaches AP English, English 12 and improving test skills, but she has also taught a lot of other classes in the 20 years she has been teaching at Altoona. James Lowe teaches honors and academic American studies and has taught all of the American history courses at some point in the 32 years he has been teaching.  If they didn’t become teachers, their desired profession would be close...

Amy Palfey teaches health and has been teaching for 26 years. She spent 15 years teaching elementary school physical education then moved to the junior high and came to the high school this year. Tom Palfey teaches physical education and has been teaching for 28 years. He started teaching at Hollidaysburg Junior High and taught principal Andrew Neely when he was in eighth grade. He then taught elementar...

Kelly Sipes teaches chorus and introduction to piano. She has been teaching on and off for 20 years. She originally taught third grade. Douglas Sipes teaches broadcasting and has been teaching for 29 years.  They both wanted to become teachers; however, they had other options in mind too. “At one time, I thought about becoming a school counselor,” K. Sipes said. “I’ve always want...

Patricia Sohmer has been teaching chemistry for 35 years. Joseph Sohmer has been teaching chemistry for 28 years.  P. Sohmer has always wanted to be a teacher. J. Sohmer had other options. “I have no idea what I would have done if I didn’t become a teacher because this is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” P. Sohmer said. “If I wasn’t a teacher, I probably would’ve worked in industry...

Kelli Stoudnour teaches AP biology, microbiology and biology and has been teaching for 29 years. Eric Stoudnour teaches forensic chemistry and biology and has been teaching for 29 years.  If they didn’t become teachers, they would have likely been entrepreneurs for business. “We have also been tempted to work at the National Park Service because we love the outdoors and the beauty of Am...