Jarrod Prugar
Q: Where did you go to high school and could you describe your high school experience?
A: I went to Altoona High. I graduated in 2009; it was awesome. I was a part of the yearbook staff, in student council, and I did a multitude of different sports.
Q: What brought you back to Altoona to teach?
A: I was approached about this job opportunity, and they said they thought I would be a really good fit. I weighed my pros and cons after substitute teaching for a few years, and I decided to take them up on it.
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
A: I figured out that I always wanted to teach when I went and I looked at colleges. I looked at five different schools. Four of them were for education, one was for business, and I went for business. About halfway through college, I realized I should have been a teacher. The next thing I know, I’m back in Altoona working for the Central Blair Rec Commission, and I wasn’t really liking it. I wanted to work a little more deeply with kids rather than through athletics. I decided to become a teacher and go through that process. Then I started subbing about two or three years ago and started at Juniata Gap and did some work there and at the junior high and here. I did fourth grade virtual last year, and this position opened up and I decided to jump on it.
Q: Who has been the most help to you as you have started this new job?
A: The most help has been Mr. Dumm; he’s been a great resource for me. Amy Palfey is my go to; her and I coach together and I bounce a lot of ideas off of her. It’s nice to know people who work here.
Q: Why did you choose to teach high school students?
A: I coached high school students since I was in college, and I’ve always been very familiar with high school kids. I decided if I’m going to be coaching girls basketball, football and baseball, I might as well be in that school with them and understand what they’re going through on a day to day basis.
Q: How has the school year gone for you so far?
A: It’s been hectic but in a good way. A lot of learning and a lot of figuring out things as we go. It’s one of those positions where even outside the teaching part it’s just me learning the ins and outs of special education. And what this position entails as transition coordinator and two classes. Every day has been different.
Q: What were you doing before you came to teach here?
A: So I was working as a sub, and I was coaching on three different sports and then the next thing I know this position opens up and then they’re like, hey, we think you’d be a great fit and here we are. So I decided to take them up on that and then make that work, and I’m so glad that they thought of me. I’m so glad that I was able to accept it.
Q: How would you describe your classroom?
A: My classroom is different because I have two classes a day and they’re in the music theory room, and I have nothing to do with music whatsoever. My classroom is kind of nice and laid back. I mean we have kids that we don’t know what we’re going to do yet for career, so it’s just kind of guiding them in the right direction and and helping them figure out what they want to do with their lives after high school. Just going from there and then, as far as the transition aspect, it’s just being open and honest with students and helping them reach their goals and figure out what career path they want to take and if I can just help guide them in any sort of way, then then I’m doing that. I’m doing the right job.
Q: What do you want your students to take away from your teaching besides the actual content you’re teaching?
A: I want them to take away how realistic I’m making it for them come and realize that what we do in the classroom is going to help translate to them outside of it. I treat them like this is a job like I would be their boss. So respecting them and ending just them transitioning from the classroom to outside and then realizing that I’ll be there as best I can to help them throughout their careers and their job journey.
Q: What are your top three things to accomplish by the end of the school year?
A: Understanding my job a little bit more. It is just being an ally for students here, whether they’re athletes, whether they’re my students or or whoever. And really immersing myself. The third one would be immersing myself further into the high school experience and making sure I’m actively involved in anything and everything that I can. And being at a familiar face for people to come to whenever they need it.