Tyrone Area Middle School math and science teacher Matt Germino is still relatively new, but as a 2003 Tyrone alumnus and second-generation Tyrone Area School District teacher, he is a perfect fit for the school and his students.

While a student at TAHS, Germino was a member of golf and track teams, Student Council, National Honor Society, and he was also the Senior Class Vice President.

His mom, Kim Germino, was the Health Tech teacher at the high school for 10 years. She started the program and current health tech teacher Christie Taylor was her assistant and took over the program when she left in 2003.

Mr. Germino credited many of his teachers at Tyrone as role models for him including Barb and Mike McNelis, Michele Marasco, Dan Albright, and Laura Harris.

His fellow teachers and students are all big fans of Germino’s teaching skills and great sense of humor.

Middle School Principal Shane Cowher is happy to have Germino as a member of the middle school team.

“Matt is a good teacher because he is passionate about education. He cares about our students and this community. He draws off a ton of experience from his days at Bellwood and his former position at PSU. Matt loves math and science, and he makes learning fun for his students,” Cowher said.

According to many of the students we talked to, Mr. Germino never fails to bring a smile to his students ’ faces and brighten up their day.

Eagle Eye: Why did you become a teacher?

Matt Germino: I grew up with a mother who taught here and a father who continues to be dedicated to working with youth sports, so I was constantly surrounded by examples of how to work with, and give back to, the youth in our community. That really helped to mold what my passion for a career was.

EE: Why did you choose the subject you teach?

MG: For me, math is something that just makes sense to me and a subject that has always come to me naturally. I’m also someone who really loves nature and enjoys understanding the “why” behind concepts, so science is also something that interests me.

EE: What’s your favorite movie?

MG: It depends on the genre but in general I would say any of the Harry Potter movies

EE: What’s your favorite thing about teaching at Tyrone?

MG: Being able to give back to the school that helped get me to where I am now is very fulfilling. Knowing what it’s like to be in these halls as a student gives me a unique perspective on what the kids are going through at times. I also get the pleasure of working with some of the most selfless individuals I’ve ever met. That makes the sense of community here that much greater.

EE: What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

MG: When I’m not running a kid to practice or a game or coaching one of my kids, I love to fly fish and tie flies. My family is a very big soccer and baseball family so we love spending time watching these sports and being at a field of some sort. Honestly, though, one of my favorite things is getting to watch my kids do what they are passionate about, so it really leads me to fall in love with whatever they do.

EE: What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?

MG: At the elementary level which I taught previously, it was from former teacher Mrs. Friday, which was “Get a Gimmick”. If you have a gimmick that students can relate to you, you can build that relationship with them easily. At the middle school level, it’s been to just be authentic. These students can see right through you on whether or not you’re who you really are. If you are authentic with them, they will appreciate that and see where you are coming from easier.

EE: What’s the hardest part of teaching and why?

MG: The hardest part often is the fact that you end up devoting so much mental and emotional energy to ensuring that your students are getting what they need that it becomes difficult to balance that with your own self-care. It’s definitely something that I’m not perfect at but I’ve gotten better at through the course of my career.

EE: What are some jobs held before you got into teaching?

MG: I worked retail at the Family Clothesline in State College and also installed car audio and security systems at Circuit City

EE: What’s your favorite TV show?

MG: The Office and Parks and Recreation. The quick-witted humor in those shows makes it very easy to rewatch constantly and not get tired of them.

EE: What’s your spirit animal?

MG: I’ve never really thought about it but I might have to say a squirrel. I can be pretty resourceful when I need to make do with something and also I cannot remain still for long periods of time and need to be up and moving.