Chemistry and physical science teacher Paula Irwin shows off her students’ element balls. This was an activity to help the students learn the different elements.
Paula Irwin
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve been giving about teaching?
A: To take time to listen.
Q:What made you choose to teach at AAHS?
A: We were moving to Altoona. I was very unhappy at my old school, and people were telling me that there was an opening here.
Q: When was the moment you realized you wanted to be a teacher?
A: People told me they thought I would be a good teacher.
Q: What is your favorite part of teaching so far? Why?
A: Labs
Q: Who inspired you to become a teacher?
A: Combination. My high school PE teacher, genetics teacher in high school, microbiology college professor
Q: What college did you go to?
A: West Virginia
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Baking, cooking, Curve games, spending time with family and decorating
Q: Why did you choose the subject you are teaching?
A: The first opening in a high school was chemistry, and I fell in love with teaching chemistry.
Q: As a student, I know I tend to get nervous for the first weeks of school. As a teacher in a new school, do you feel that sense of nervousness you once felt as a student?
A: I haven’t in a long time, but there is some anxiety.
Q: Is there something you would want to do during your teaching career? Ex: coaching a sport, head of a club etc.
A: I am adviser for After Glow.