Feature teacher: Mr. Van Scoyoc
Longtime French teacher takes on English
Mr. Van Scoyoc has taught at B-A since 2006, but this is the first year he has taught English.
Known mostly for teaching French classes at Bellwood-Antis High School, Mr. Van Scoyoc has taken on a new role for the 2015-2016 school year. He is now teaching a 12th grade Honors English and a 9th grade vocational English class, along with all of his normal French Classes.
The BluePrint has talked to Mr. Van, and asked him about his new classes this school year.
BluePrint: When did you start teaching?
Mr. Van: I started teaching here at BA in 2006, but I initially started teaching in 1990 at Central Cambria. I taught there for one year, then began substituting at Altoona and Holidaysburg until the Bellwood job opened
BluePrint: what got you into teaching?
Mr. Van: I enjoyed learning about the French language and I wanted to pass my passion and interest into other people. I really enjoy teaching young people.
BluePrint: why did you choose to teach at Bellwood?
Mr. Van: There was an opening so I applied. I grew up in Altoona so I wanted to stay local if possible. Bellwood is a very good school, with nice students. They always work hard.
BluePrint: Where did you attend college?
Mr. Van: Penn State
BluePrint: How did you get into teaching English?
Mr. Van: I wanted to major in French, but most schools only have one French teacher so I knew it would be hard to find a job, so I decided to obtain a second major in English as a backup plan
BluePrint: What do you like most about teaching English?
Mr. Van: I love teaching the literature; it’s very different from French. I enjoy opening students up to new ideas. And also, I love to read.
BluePrint: Do you prefer to teach French or English?
Mr. Van: French is my first love, but English is nice too.
