Mrs. Tota is one of our new Jr. High English teachers at the New Castle High School. She is a late addition to the 2023-24 school year, taking over for Mrs. Townley as she moved into the Jr. High office as our newest guidance counselor. I thought now would be a great time to talk to her and get to know Mrs. Tota a little more. I have compiled 12 questions for her so enjoy her answers.

• Where did you go to college and what did you major in? 

I graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English and a Minor in History. Then, I earned my Master’s Degree in School Librarianship from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.

• Why did you pick New Castle?

I chose to come to New Castle because I had heard all good things about the school and the staff. I wanted to be a part of the Hurricane Nation and their strive for Excellence.

• Why did you want to become a teacher?

I have always wanted to be a teacher – ever since I was 5 years old – but it wasn’t until some very inspiring English teachers during my junior high and high school years that guided me toward being an English teacher. I was in awe of their intelligence and knowledge and how they were able to connect with their students. I wanted to do the same thing.

• Is this your first teaching experience? 

No, I taught in Dorchester County, Maryland for 10 years, then at Keystone Charter School for two years, I was the Director of Education at Laurel Technical Institute in Hermitage, PA, and then for three years I was the High School Librarian at Farrell Area High School in Farrell, PA.

• What are your expectations of your students in terms of behavior and academic performance?

In all aspects I expect my students to do their VERY BEST everyday. Hard work and perseverance pays off, but they have to be the ones that put forth the effort.

• What are some of your favorite lessons to teach?

My favorite novels to teach are “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. With both of these novels, I love teaching about tolerance and justice. Right now I don’t have a favorite lesson, but I know there will be one soon.

• How has your school year gone so far?

It has been absolutely SUPER so far. Everyone has been so kind to me and welcoming. 

• Do you have any hobbies outside of school?

Outside of school, I love to read and to spend time with my family. I also love photography.

• What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in a mix of student-centered instruction and performance based learning. I believe all students can learn and all students can show their knowledge in a variety of ways and should do so.

• What do you least like about teaching?

There is really nothing I don’t like about teaching, but I do always wish lunch could be longer. Hahaha!

• What do you most like about teaching?

I love teaching because even as the teacher, you never stop learning. So while I am able to teach 7th graders about metaphors and similes and how to read effectively, I am also learning new ways to connect with my students and to pique their interest in learning. That’s what I love.

• If you did not become a teacher what would you have done?

I would have been a writer and possibly owned my coffee shop.

Mrs. Tota is currently stationed in room 126 so stop by and make her feel welcomed. Thanks for reading Canes!