Each week the Eagle Eye will be spotlighting one TAHS teacher of the week. Congratulations to 11th grade English teacher Mr. Stephen Everhart for being chosen as the first!

Eagle Eye: Why did you become a teacher?
Stephen Everhart: The “sounds good” reason is that it’s satisfying helping others. The selfish reason is that working with teenagers keeps you young.

EE: Why did you choose the subject you teach?
SE: Because words have the power to change your life. You’ll have a happier professional life and home life if you know how to say the right things in the right way.

EE: What’s your favorite thing about teaching at Tyrone?
SE: Our kids compete hard academically and athletically. Unlike elsewhere in Snowflake Nation, competition here is not a dirty word. Yet.

EE: What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?
SE: I spend way too much time competing in the New Yorker caption contest each week. I’m also into powerlifting and craft beers.

EE: What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?
SE: Nothing works for too long with too many. You have to change it up in the classroom. Otherwise, what worked with a class a few years ago will go stale.

EE: What’s the hardest part of teaching and why?
SE: Having more energy than students. Maintaining enthusiasm and interest in a classroom is a war of attrition. If your rock isn’t harder than theirs, you eventually turn into sand.

EE: What are some jobs held before you got into teaching?
SE: I’ve been a shipping and inventory logistics supervisor for 40 years and will retire next summer. I plan to keep teaching for another 5.

EE: What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
SE: I broke the International Powerlifting Federation drug-free squat record last year for my age and weight class.

EE: What’s your favorite movie?
SE: Psycho

EE: What is your spirit animal? Why?
SE: The chameleon–people often overlook the beauty and the opportunity of blending in. And I do enjoy a good bug once in a while. Great protein.