Industrial arts and technology teacher Kermit Foor is relatively new at Tyrone High School, having just started last school year, but he is already well-known and loved by many of his students.

Foor had big shoes to fill taking over for long-time metal shop teacher Ed Vancas, but his many talents and interests have already made him an asset to the school.

Foor, who graduated from Bellwood High School, says that he has always enjoyed working with technology and with his hands, so this type of teaching position is a perfect fit for him.

His students seem to agree.

“I love his class because you get to be constantly working with your hands and making things,” said senior Clayton Riggleman, who has Mr. Foor for metal working.

Not only does Foor teach an interesting hands-on class, but he engages well with students just by being himself.

“He isn’t afraid to joke around with us, and him being a younger teacher means that he can ‘keep up with the times,” said Riggleman.

A big thank you to Mr. Foor for all that he does at TAHS.

Eagle Eye: Why did you become a teacher?

Kermit Foor: I became a teacher because I have always enjoyed the process of learning and sharing my knowledge with others.

EE: Why did you choose the subject you teach?

KF: I have always enjoyed working with technology and working with my hands. I chose this subject because every day I get to teach what I love doing.

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

KF: The students, they always keep me on my toes! I also really enjoy the people I work with they are some amazing teachers!

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

KF: Spending time with family and friends, oil painting, listening to my vinyl collection, going to the beach, DIY Projects

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

KF: Break things down into small chunks so students do not get to overwhelmed when learning something completely new to them.

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

KF: Most of my classes are project based, so when students miss class it can sometimes be difficult to catch them up when everyone else is ready to move on with the next step. Another difficult thing I face as a teacher is just keeping up with is the behind the behind-the-desk tasks that don’t involve things in the classroom.

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

KF: When I was in my early teenage years I would announce baseball games for the Bellwood Youth Leagues. I worked as a Dietary Aide at Epworth Manor in my junior year of high school, it was probably one of my most memorable because my grandmother worked as a Cook there. So working with her was a lot of fun. During the summers in high school I also worked with my cousin for his constructions and insulation business. I did some light construction and video production to help promote his business.

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

KF: I am the fourth generation of Kermit’s in my family. I also own and operate Foor Your Entertainment DJ Service.

EE: What’s your favorite movie?

KF: Star Wars – Revenge of the Sith: Episode III

EE: What is your spirit animal? Why?

KF: I think my spirit animal is a house cat, they like their space to be clean, are witty, always alert and ready to learn about their surrounding.