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
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.