It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone, especially teachers. So each week the Eagle Eye will spotlight a TAHS teacher who has gone above and beyond to help students navigate high school during a global pandemic! Congratulations to this week’s nominee – Mr. Cummins McNitt.

Mr. McNitt teaches geography, DE geography, economics, and after-school driver’s education. Mr. McNitt is also an advisor of the Youth Action Network (YAN) service organization and helps put together many events for the school and community.

Eagle Eye: Why did you become a teacher?

Cummins McNitt: “I love kids and I love history and social studies. Like peanut butter and chocolate, they just go together!”

EE: Why did you choose the subject you teach?

CM: “I have loved history from my youngest years because my father always told such great stories and showed me so many cool places around the state.”

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

CM: }I love the closeness of the community, in school and out. Yes, I know we’ve certainly had our differences in Tyrone, but when it comes down to it, we are all still pretty good neighbors.”

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

CM: “Old-time and traditional music, reading, and being outside working or hiking.”

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

CM: “Don’t take bad student behavior so personally, students have bad days too and it probably isn’t directed at you, but just their way of venting.”

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

CM: “Seeing the personal struggles of some of my students and knowing the incredible challenges they face before they get here in the morning and when they go home at night. I’d like to help them all, but I know this isn’t possible, so you just do the best you can.”

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

CM: “I didn’t start teaching here until I was 50, so my mileage was up there a bit. I’ve been a professional historian, folklorist, museum director, curator, professional Boy Scout executive, aluminum mill worker, cook and bouncer for a greasy-spoon  restaurant, mental health counselor, hog farmer, and motorized newspaper delivery person.”

EE: What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?

CM: “The only nickname I’ve ever had was given to me by my students – Pap.”

EE: What’s your favorite movie?

CM: “I love many movies, period.”

EE: What is your spirit animal? Why?

CM: “All animals have God-given spirits, I love them all.”