Happy Teacher Maria Tyger is happy to be a new member of the faculty at Altoona. She teaches English and loves working with special education kids.
Maria Tyger
Q: Where did you go to high school and could you describe your high school experience?
A: I went to a very small high school in Jeannette, PA. So coming to a school that’s this big, it was a little startling. My old school was only two long hallways, and there were only 127 kids in my graduating class.
Q: How have the first few weeks of school gone for you?
A: Beautifully, I love the kids; the staff is so supportive and engaging. I’ve been giving good help in the classroom. My students are awesome. I can’t be in a happier place right now.
Q: If you could describe your new classroom in one word what would it be?
A: Fun.
Q: Could you describe your prior teaching experience?
A: I was a sub at Kiski Area. When I started, I was initially certified in English. Then I started working with special education kids at Kiski. From there I got my special education certificate along with my master’s degree. I worked for a year and a half at the sunrise school in Monroeville, and that woke up my love for autistic kids too. I was afraid that would be a difficulty for me, but it wasn’t; I just fell in love right away
Q: What got you interested in the subject you teach and what was your favorite growing up?
A: Reading, literature, anything I could get my hands on I read.
Q: What brought you to Altoona to teach?
A: My job; I was fortunate enough to get an interview and things went well and they hired me. It’s a definite blessing
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
A: My love for literature led to wanting to share with kids, and my love for helping people learn led me to special education.
Q: Why did you choose to teach high school?
A: Kindergartners can’t tell you when they’re going to throw up.
Q: What would be a suggestion you have to make AAHS better?
A: None. You have cool principals, cool vice principals and cool kids. Everyone here has been so nice and supportive.
Q: If you could teach another subject what would it be and why?
A: I would stick with literature or physics because I like how that works.
Q: What is your go to snack or lunch item to bring with you to school?
A: Anything from Sheetz.
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: Chick Fil A.
Q: Who has been the most help to you as you have started this new job?
A: My mentor, Mr. Keith, Karen Oswald, Sam Aboud and Mr. Neely.