Teaching is a challenging profession that involves a lot of patience and resiliency. Being a substitute teacher is arguably even harder, and it’s an essential job in education that doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
The shortage of substitute teachers became so severe that some public schools closed temporarily. At one point the governor of New Mexico even called on National Guard troops to help cover classrooms.
While the sub shortage is not nearly as severe in Pennsylvania, finding quality subs is still a challenge for school districts, including Tyrone.
However, according to Tyrone High School principal Chad Packer, Tyrone is fortunate to have many dedicated and talented substitute teachers.
“Substitute teachers do a great job at adapting quickly to change to fulfill many roles,” Packer said.
Which is why the Eagle Eye is going to profile a different long-time Tyrone substitute teacher each month until the end of the school year.
One of Tyrone’s most popular substitute teachers over the past couple of years is 2012 Tyrone alum Katrina Patton.
Patton has been in classrooms across the middle and high school, and most recently served as a full-time substitute for Mrs. Teresa Myers’s advisory, freshman seminar, and child development classes.
Seventh grader Garrett Price and eighth grader Leora Catich have both had Patton as a health teacher, and they believe she is a very kind individual who is very understanding in countless situations.
Freshman Vincent Maloney also has Patton for one of his classes.
“Ms. Patton always does her best to help the students she has,” said Maloney.
Patton also subbed for sixth-grade teacher Jim Koller, who she once had as a teacher back in her high school days.
“The kids did what they were supposed to do and I didn’t have any complaints about them or her,” Koller said.
Patton was inspired to get into substitute teaching while working at Caterpillar Daycare in Tyrone. Several of her coworkers and parents of kids at the daycare told her that she would be a great teacher, but since she didn’t have a teaching degree, she decided to sub to learn more about the career before diving into it full-time.
Patton grew up in Tyrone and graduated from Tyrone Area High School. According to Patton, her kindergarten class was the first to begin their school career in the new elementary building.
As a substitute teacher at Tyrone Area High School, she most enjoys being able to spend time with the students and staff. She likes giving a helping hand when it is needed and being there for everyone.
“Always start the day with a positive attitude and follow what the teacher tells [you] to do with the class,” said Patton.
Patton graduated from Lycoming College in Williamsport with a bachelor’s degree in history, and a minor in American study and human services.
She enjoys subbing while she is figuring out what she wants to do in the future. She is considering returning to school with the goal of becoming guidance counselor.
Tyrone Area High School is very grateful to have a substitute like Patton in the classroom and the students at Tyrone feel the same.
