According to Moreland University, the average starting salary for teachers in Pennsylvania is $49,083 while the average cost of living is $49,040. Regardless, a handful of teachers have chosen their career over higher-paying job opportunities, ultimately joining the Trinity family.
There are a few reasons why teachers are choosing to work at Trinity as opposed to other schools in the area.
Physics teacher Mr. Columbus left Trinity and taught physics and engineering at a school in Fayette County. He returned to THS after only one year teaching in another district.
Columbus states, “I returned to Trinity because everyone who works here, whether it’s teachers or admin, is in it for the kids.”
Another reason he returned was because of the relationship between the faculty. The faculty are close and have inside jokes, making this one of the reasons Columbus was eager to return.
Columbus added, “Mr. Phillips isn’t Batman; he’s Robin and I’m Batman.”
Mr. Skroupa, math teacher at Trinity High School, was not always a teacher. Originally, he worked for a small computer company as a computer consultant and traveled throughout Europe for work. He resigned in 2003, went to graduate school, and then was hired at Trinity in 2004.
Skroupa explains why he continues to enjoy the profession and being at THS: “The people. And every day’s exciting. You never know what it’s going to bring.”
Mr. Polansky, history and sociology teacher, was a speaker at Making it Count before he became a teacher. He typically spoke to students, whether it be to freshmen in high school or college seniors, about how to succeed at the next level. As a speaker, he made more money than he does as a teacher, but he doesn’t regret choosing this path.
Polansky says, “No, this is the least paying, most work and stress, best job I ever had.”
Polansky also mentioned the staff as a highlight of working at Trinity.
Trinity High School features many teachers from different backgrounds. While some of the teachers chose to work here based on salary or opportunity, there are some who chose to work here based on the school itself and the people in it. The faculty, administrators and student body seem to be one of the main reasons Trinity attracts teachers.
