Tyrone Alum Joins TAMS Faculty
Tyrone alumni Zack Soellner is a new special education teacher in the middle school.
When the students and teachers returned to Tyrone Middle School after Christmas they were joined by a familiar face in a new place: Tyrone Class of 2016 alum Zack Soellner began his teaching career on January 16 as the newest member of the Tyrone Area Middle School Special Education Department.
Soellner’s desire to become a teacher, and specifically to work in special education, was inspired by TAHS Special Education teacher Joshua Zupon.
Seeing Mr. Zupon’s interactions and his bond with his students truly inspired me to become a teacher
— Zack Soellner
Soellner was a peer tutor in Zupon’s classroom for two years in high school. It was that experience and the example set by Mr. Zupon that inspired Soellner to pursue a degree in special education.
“Seeing Mr. Zupon’s interactions and his bond with his students truly inspired me to become a teacher,” said Soellner.
Soellner attended Lock Haven University and received his degree in May 2020.
Zupon was thrilled to receive the news that one of his favorite peer tutors was back at Tyrone, this time as a teacher.
Zupon had Zack and his brother Nathaniel as peer tutors for two years. He knew right away that both of the Soellners had the “it” factor for teaching.
Soellner is supported by his family and friends and enjoys spending his free time playing football and basketball.
In high school, Soellner was a tri-athlete on the Tyrone football, basketball, and baseball teams.
Being back in the same halls you grew up in is something that very few get to experience and something for which Soellner is thankful.
“Growing up in Tyrone and then being able to give back to the community, to the youth, is an amazing feeling,” says Soellner.
Soellner hopes to inspire the next generation of Tyrone students to reach their goals.
“Some advice I have for the students in high school and middle school, set your goals high and to hold your head higher,” Soellner says.
Soellner is off to a good start so far and is looking forward to the rest of the school year with his students and staff.
“Something I love about my profession is being able to make a change in so many students’ lives,” said Soellner.
Sarah Jackson is a senior and has been a part of Eagle Eye for three consecutive years. Last year she was Eagle Eye's Social Media Editor and this year...
James pfahler • Feb 12, 2021 at 4:46 am
Mr. Zupon was one of the best teachers I’ve ever met and truly changed my life around for me. He has taught me to be humble in everything I do. Definitely a man you go to when you need advice. It’s great to see new faces in the special Ed. Mr. fedore was a legend in my book, Mr Zupon tell him I miss him.
, yours truly jimmy pfahler
Joshua Zupon • Feb 4, 2021 at 9:03 am
Zack was made to be a teacher. I knew it from day one. He really is one of a kind. He is a leader inside and outside of the classroom. TASD made a great call hiring such a wonderful young man. We are blessed to have him. He will help a plethora of people and make differences in lives. Zack is a star.