The Tyrone Area School District is fortunate to have such great substitute teachers who go above and beyond in the classrooms.

TAHS substitute teacher Tom Templeton stands out for his kindness to students and everyone around him.

Templeton has been a substitute here at Tyrone for the past six years. He is a Tyrone native and graduated from Tyrone Area High School in 1966.

Templeton was a football standout in high school and went to Penn State to further his education and play football under famous Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno.

Templeton’s football career was cut short by injury, but he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and English in 1970.

Templeton even taught at Tyrone from 1971 to 1974, but left the teaching profession to start an insurance agency in State College, which he did for 45 years. He also sold furniture for 10 years.

Templeton returned to the classroom about six years ago for extra money and to give back to the community as a substitute teacher.

“You young guys help keep me young and help me with perspective on life that I wouldn’t have at 76 years old. So it’s interesting to hear your side of life and what you guys think,” Templeton said.

Most of the students enjoy seeing Templeton in their classes.

“Every time Mr. Templeton has subbed for one of my classes, he has always been kind, positive and has always encouraged us to get our work done,” ninth grader Heaven Browning said.

If he could choose any grade level to cover for, Templeton said that juniors are his favorite.

Templeton’s favorite classes to sub for are math and English. While he doesn’t care too much about the subject he teaches, he does have some limitations.

“I can’t teach woodshop or music classes because I can’t pound a nail straight or sing,” Templeton said.

The teachers and staff that he subs for appreciate the way he manages their classrooms.

“Mr. Templeton is up to any challenge he faces. Whether it’s managing behaviors or encouraging students to complete their assignments, Mr. Templeton does it all with positivity, kindness, and humor,” seventh-grade English teacher Gwen Miller said.

Templeton’s favorite thing about being a sub is he used to coach football so when he teaches classes with football players he talks to them about football. He also tells their coach if they misbehave in class.

“When I think of Mr. Templeton, I think of a gentleman, a kind soul and someone who is up to the challenge no matter where he is assigned,” middle school guidance counselor Matt Kimberlin said. “Mr. Templeton accepts whatever is thrown at him, whether it is a kickball, a Trigonometry lesson or how to successfully navigate a rowdy 5th grade class. We are fortunate to have Mr. Templeton on our team.”