Alli Little

Planning for the day Robert Hofer completes some tasks for his classes. Hofer has been a resident of Altoona his entire life.

Robert Hofer

Q: Where did you go to high school and could you describe your high school experience?

A: I went here, and it was fantastic.

Q: How have the first few weeks of school gone for you?

A: Great, smooth.

Q-If you could describe your new classroom in one word what would it be? 

A: Bright.

Q: Could you describe your prior teaching experience?

A: I came from the life skills classrooms to work experience program, and I love the special education department.

Q: What got you interested in the subject you teach and what was your favorite growing up?

A: Just being around the students. English.

Q: What brought you to Altoona to teach? 

A: I lived here all my life.

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: Past teachers from here.

Q: Why did you choose to teach high school?

A: The maturity.

Q: What would be a suggestion you have to make AAHS better?

A: Nothing at this point.

Q: If you could teach another subject what would it be and why?

A: Phys ed.

Q: What is your go to snack or lunch item to bring with you to school?

A: Grilled cheese.

Q: If you could choose one fast food restaurant to be in the school cafeteria what would it be and what would you order there?

A: Taco bell and tacos.

Q: Who has been the most help to you as you have started this new job?

A: Mr. Dumm.

Patrick Kirby

Eva Drumm

Patrick Kirby joins the science department this school year.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve been given about teaching?

A: My best advice was to have fun and enjoy your day.

Q: What made you choose to teach at AAHS? 

A: The big school. I like what it has to offer. It’s very diverse, and it’s a great place to learn.

Q: When was the moment you realized you wanted to be a teacher?

A: Whenever I was working every night alone in lab and had no one to talk to, I realized I wanted to help people and interact with more people

Q: What is your favorite part of teaching so far? Why? 

A: Definitely would be talking to students about learning and how to help them and learning about their lives.

Q: Who inspired you to become a teacher? 

A: My chemistry professor: He made you feel like he wanted you to learn and he was fun and interesting.

Q: What college did you go to?

A: I graduated from Saint Francis.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: I like messing with technology and watching Marvel and “Star Wars” movies, hiking, photography and playing D&D.

Q: Why did you choose the subject that you are teaching?

A: My lab experience was where I learned the most. I think it’s fun to teach about a subject students don’t know much about.

Q: As a teacher in a new school, do you feel that sense of nervousness you once felt as a student?

A: I felt less nervous teaching than being a student. I was more nervous about doing assignments than creating them. 

 

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