Tenth-grade biology teacher Beth Cannistraci’s teaching roots run deep. Her father, Pete Dutrow, is retired as a long-time TAHS teacher, coach, and athletic director, and Cannistraci credits both her parents for inspiring her to teach.
“Once I started teaching, I was hooked and knew that was my calling. Today, I try to emulate my parents and the other fabulous teachers that I had at Tyrone when I was a student,” Cannistraci said.
Cannistraci is a student favorite at TAHS because she does so much for her students.
She is a very enthusiastic, dedicated, and driven teacher and takes pride in making sure that her students pass their Biology Keystone Exams.
“[Mrs. Cannistraci] is a good teacher because she can get the grades up fast, and she allows kids to do honors tests even though they are not in honors classes,” sophomore Cooper Spicer said.
Cannistraci has been teaching for over 31 years, all in the Tyrone Area School District.
She began her career teaching middle school science, but currently teaches high school biology and has helped many students pass their Keystones.
Thank you, Mrs. Cannistraci, for all that you do.
What inspired you to go into teaching and/or choose the subject you teach?
To be honest, when I went to college, I had no intentions of being a teacher. When I was finishing up my biology degree, I decided to add another degree in education. Once I started teaching, I was hooked and knew that was my calling. Today, I try to emulate my parents and the other fabulous teachers that I had at Tyrone when I was a student.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is watching my students blossom into amazing adults. I have had so many students who are now leaders in their field, who own their own business, who have honorably served our country, etc. I am so proud of them and the people they have become.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
In my spare time, I enjoy going to sporting events, boating at Raystown, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?
When I started teaching, the first advice I was given was not to smile until Christmas – lol. Today, I would tell new teachers to take the time to make authentic relationships with the students. Students will show more growth academically, behaviorally, emotionally, etc., if they know you care. I have former students with whom I am genuine friends today.
What is the hardest part of teaching and why?
Because teachers truly care about their students, when students are struggling, teachers empathize with them, which can have an emotional toll.
What are some of the jobs you held before getting into teaching?
My first job was at Bland’s Park (now DelGrosso’s Park). To this day, I still have fond memories of working there with friends.
What is your best advice to students?
Be involved! Be involved in class. Be involved in extracurricular events. Be involved in the community.
What is your favorite sports team?
My favorite teams are any Tyrone Golden Eagle team (of course), Penn State, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
