High School World Cultures teacher Tracy Redinger is known and loved by many of her students. Red teaches her students about different cultures and areas worldwide on a deeper level.
She is the kind of teacher who pushes students and expects them to try their best at all times but also wants to create a good learning environment.
“Mrs. Red’s class is fun and engaging; she makes sure that you understand the material by giving you tips and tricks in the notes. She also rewards you with the prize bowl when you do a great job on a review game,” junior Addy Warren said.
“Mrs. Red is a very understanding teacher who keeps you engaged in daily activities within the classroom,” junior Allison McNelis said,
Redinger teaches 11th and 12th-grade World Cultures and is one of the advisors of the NHS.
EE: What inspired you to go into teaching and choose the subject you teach?
TR: “I had several wonderful history teachers in high school and knew I wanted to work with kids, so it made sense to go into teaching. As far as why I teach World Cultures, I taught all 4 subject areas and all 4 grade levels, but when Mr. McNelis retired (back in the day), I moved right into teaching 11th-grade World Cultures. I love the subject matter, enjoy learning about other places, and enjoy having juniors. They’re old enough to have discussions on difficult subject matter, and yet, they don’t have “senioritis” making it a nice age to teach!”
EE: What is your favorite thing about teaching?
TR: “I enjoy working with teenagers. It’s fun to explore new areas of the world, see kids’ minds grow as they develop opinions and ideas when exposed to other cultures, and life-lessons to be learned from events that have taken place in other countries.”
EE: What are some of your hobbies and interests?
TR: “Justin and I love to go camping and vacation all over the US. I love taking pictures, and spending time outside, and enjoy hanging out with our kids.”
EE: What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?
TR: “Stay organized, don’t be afraid to try new techniques, and be genuine…the kids should know you care!”
EE: What is the hardest part of teaching and why?
TR: “Keeping one step in front of the kids!”
EE: What are some of the jobs you held before getting into teaching?
TR: “I worked in the curator’s department of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum throughout college. Believe it or not, Mr. McNitt and I worked there at the same time, passed each other in the hallway, and didn’t even know each other then.”
EE: What is your best advice to students?
TR: “Always give your best! No one can ask more of you than that. And if you’re doing your best, you can always be proud of your work!”
