The April TAHS Substitute of the Month, Mr. Joe Intorre, has been subbing at Tyrone a lot over the last several years.
Students in the high school appreciate his friendly demeanor and easy-going attitude.
“He is very kind and helpful to us,” freshman Alexis Martinez said.
Intorre grew up in Oakmont, PA, near Pittsburgh, and went to Riverview High School from 1971 to 1975.
He earned a degree in computer science and a master’s degree in business administration from West Virginia University.
He worked for many years as a software engineer for various government contractors, including General Electric in northern Virginia and Raytheon in northern Virginia for most of his career.
Today, he lives in Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, which is near State College, with his wife, who works in healthcare with senior citizens.
He has two sons; one also lives in State College, and the other lives and works in Martinsburg, West Virginia
Intorre considers himself mostly retired but enjoys subbing to keep himself busy and provide extra income.
He is not a teacher by training, but his wife was a third-grade teacher for many years.
“One day, my wife came home from work complaining about how hard it was to teach a third grade class. I said how it couldn’t have been that bad, and she said why don’t you give it a try,” Intorre said.
Since he enjoys working with kids and was looking for something to do after retirement, he decided to give it a try.
“Now I regret saying that because I realize how hard it is,” Intorre said.
One of his first experiences as a sub ironically occurred when he was covering a third-grade class.
“I was handing tests back out to them and some little girl started to cry when she saw her score because she was unhappy about it, and I had to call another teacher to come help with her,” Intorre said.
Intorre said he would recommend substitute teaching to others who are looking for a job with a flexible schedule and meaningful work, but would caution them that it’s not an easy job.
According to Intorre, some of the biggest challenges he faces as a sub are dealing with different personalities and getting students to do their work.
Intorre said he enjoys subbing the most when he can help kids with what they are learning, which is why he enjoys subbing for math classes the most.
He would tell new substitutes to be patient and get to know the kids so they can trust and respect you.
Outside of teaching, Intorre says he enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, taking walks, and participating in his favorite sport, golf.
“Subbing a few days a month helps to pay for my golf game,” Intorre said.
He has also enjoyed getting to know the staff at Tyrone.
“I can always count on Mr. Intorre to keep me updated regarding the latest political news that is happening in our country,” middle school guidance counselor Mathew Kimberlin said.
