The big questions of the new semester: whatever will happen with Mrs. Horwatt’s cart? Will the squeaker still be there? And most importantly, who will fill her place as she locks you out of the auditorium doors?
Although some of those are still shrouded in mystery, new hire Mr. Brandon Tatusko is taking up the position which Horwatt left empty.
*Let’s get to know the new face in the halls! *
Where did you go to high school?
I went to high school at Seneca Valley, which is in Harmony, PA. I graduated in 2018
Where did you go to college?
I went to Penn State University, at their main campus.
Where did you go for student teaching?
Pine Richland school district is where I student taught. My first assignment was Pine Richland Middle School and then I was a student teacher at Pine Richland Elementary School.
How long have you been doing this particular job?
This is my first job after college! This is my first full-time teaching, but I did do a long term sub assignment prior to this.
Is this job what you have always wanted to do or did your “path” change and lead you to this new occupation?
It definitely changed. My first two years in college, I originally went for athletic training, but found that work just wasn’t for me. I chose to pursue teaching my last two years at Penn State and it's the best decision I ever made.
What is something you want your new students to know about you?
I want them to know that I am incredibly passionate about health and P.E., but I'm also someone who is willing to listen to anything. I prioritize and value communication, and I want my students to know that I am open and fun, energetic and relatable, I think is the big one. Just based on my background; being involved in sports and in music made me very involved in school. I think that relatability is the big thing I want them to know about me.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Working with students. Teaching them health and P.E. and why it’s important to have physical activity as part of your life and how it’s going to make you feel better, and understanding the importance of having a good lifestyle. I think being able to interact with students and teach them the importance of all these things is my favorite part.
Did where you grow up have an impact on your occupation choice?
To a degree, yes. I give credit to my teachers in school, specifically my band teachers, actually. They had a big impact on me and the decisions I’ve made over the past couple of years. My band teachers were very open. Not only did they care about me as a band student, but also as a person. Being an athlete in school as well, they were very supportive of me being an athlete as well as being a musician. I was able to have really good dialogue with them about life and school. It made my experience great in school, and also had an impact on me as I grew up and into the person I am today.
What sports did you play in high school?
Baseball was my main sport. I did track and field my senior year. I ran short distance events such as the 100 meter and 200 meter, and then I did javelin as well.
What is the most satisfying part of your job?
The most satisfying part is seeing students smile after a fun lesson, or seeing them communicate with one another on topics we may discuss in health class, or topics we may discuss in P.E. class. Whether it's related to life or a sport, seeing students engage with each other and having a great time in class is one of the biggest benefits and puts a smile on my face every time.
What is your favorite PE activity?
My favorite P.E. activity… I really like floor hockey! Anytime we do floor hockey or hockey in general (some teachers call it floor hockey, or just normal I guess) is one of my favorites. The reason why I like it is pretty much everyone gets involved and from my experience a lot of students like playing it.
Will you be introducing new PE activities to your students?
That’s a great question! I know there’s an activity called “Nitro Ball.” I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it, but it's similar to volleyball. It’s a modified version of volleyball, which is one of the most popular sports right now. Nitro Ball has a similar flavor, but that might be a new one.
If you could teach another subject what would it be?
Probably history, or social studies. I love history and learning about historical events. I'm trying to work on reading right now and reading biographies is something I think I’d like to get into, just because I like learning about influential people in our history that made an impact on our world.
What’s your music background?
I played the trumpet. I was in the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Marching Band at Seneca Valley. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I love marching band and just the ability to be outside at football games and playing fun music. It was some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. I did participate in an Honors Band, nothing beyond that. I didn’t do state band or anything like that, but I did achieve Honors Band in my sophomore year.
What’s your biggest college advice?
Get involved as much as you can at the college you go to. I think getting involved in the school community in college is really important for you to meet people, and also it helps you transition. If you were someone who was active in high school, like playing sports or in clubs, if you find similar clubs at college similar to what you did in high school, that transition will help you meet a lot of brand new people. That first year is difficult and intimidating, especially if it's at a larger college. I think getting involved right away, but obviously balancing out your school work, will help you in all areas.