Each week the Eagle Eye will be spotlighting one TAHS teacher of the week. Congratulations to 9th grade English teacher Ms. Karissa Budny!

Eagle Eye: Why did you become a teacher?

Karissa Budny: I became a teacher because I told my college advisor that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and he told me that teaching was the closest career that offered a degree! In all seriousness, though, it combined many things I enjoyed, English and helping others, into one profession.

EE: Why did you choose the subject you teach?

KB: I chose English because it covers a lot of my favorite subjects. Not only do we get to read and interpret, but it also is closely connected to history and psychology, which are other areas that interest me.

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

KB: Definitely not the drive! My favorite thing about teaching at Tyrone is the students. I love that there is such a variety of personalities that I get to interact with on a daily basis.

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

KB: I love playing sports with my two girls, exploring new places, reading, and spending time with my friends.

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

KB: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given is to find ways to simplify the load so that I don’t burn out.

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

KB: The hardest part of teaching is the amount of needs students have, both emotionally and academically, versus the amount of time I have to help meet these needs; because so much is expected of teachers and we are spread so thin, we often feel inadequate.

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

KB: The summer after high school I was a waitress at Perkins. During college, I worked at a Montessori school. I have also taught as an adjunct professor at Penn State Altoona and been a Therapeutic Staff Support worker, helping children with specific needs.

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

KB: I am in the athletic hall of fame for my high school in Ohio.

EE: What’s your favorite movie?

KB: I can’t possibly choose just one! Goonies, A Time to Kill, Uncle Buck

EE: What is your spirit animal? Why?

KB: Believe it or not, I’ve never considered this before! Maybe a lion? I tend to be able to get things done when needed, am pretty brave and quite independent, and am fiercely protective of those I love.