For new Tyrone Area High School science teacher Kylin Hoover, going to work feels a lot like coming home.

A 2021 TAHS graduate, Hoover was sitting in Beth Cannistraci’s biology class as a student just a few years ago. Now she’s back in the same hallway, but this time as Cannistraci’s colleague and the newest member of the science department.

The job is a fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. From a young age, Hoover dreamed of being a teacher.

“When I was little, I loved playing classroom with my friends and being the teacher. ‘Teacher’ was always my automatic answer whenever someone asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?'” Hoover said.

Hoover’s love for science also began young.

“I remember attending a science summer camp in elementary school and thinking everything we did was the coolest thing ever. That love for science just kept growing from there,” Hoover said. “I’ve always been fascinated by figuring out how things work and loved researching anything and everything.”

This early passion led her to pursue a major in secondary education with a concentration in biology and a minor in biology at Penn State University Park.

Today she is teaching anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and general life sciences.  She enjoys it all, but said that genetics is among her favorite things to teach.

“It’s such a fascinating topic, and there’s always something new to learn,” Hoover said. “It’s also a very active research field, so I love reading new studies and discoveries as they come out.”

Growing up in the Tyrone area, Hoover always hoped to return and teach at her alma mater, and is thrilled that it worked out for her.

“I always said I wanted to stay in the Tyrone area, and that never changed through high school or college. I loved growing up in this community and attending this school, so when I saw an opening at Tyrone, it truly felt meant to be,” Hoover said.

During her time as a student at Tyrone, she was actively involved in clubs such as YAN, Golden Revolution, Aevidum, Student Council, NHS, and Prom Committee.

Tyrone biology teacher Beth Cannistraci has been guiding Hoover through every step, from student to teacher, and she has been impressed by her former student’s talent on the other side of the desk.

“Miss Hoover has been a tremendous addition to Tyrone,” Cannistraci said. “Not only is she knowledgeable about biology, but she is also organized, hard-working, and is already establishing a good rapport with the students. She is also allowing the students to have a voice in how she teaches the class, which pays dividends in student engagement. Because Miss Hoover went to school at Tyrone, I also believe that gives her an advantage in understanding the climate and school dynamics.”

Hoover fondly remembers her science teachers, who inspired her with their engaging teaching methods.

“Every single science teacher I had here at Tyrone was incredible,” Hoover said. “Science can be challenging, but they showed me how enjoyable learning it can be! Now that I’m back at Tyrone as a teacher myself, Mrs. Cannistraci has been the best mentor I could have asked for.”

As a new teacher, Hoover also appreciates her students’ welcoming attitudes.

“The students are truly the best part of the job,” Hoover said. “I’ve loved getting to know them, not just through science, but also by hearing about their lives, interests, and future plans. Being a new teacher comes with plenty of learning curves and surprises, but my students have been so understanding, kind, and welcoming.”

Senior Jamis Maceno looks forward to Miss Hoover’s class every day.

“Miss Hoover creates such a fun classroom environment where learning is always enjoyable. Her ability to make lessons both fun and meaningful means I genuinely look forward to every class,” Maceno said.

Outside of teaching, Hoover enjoys watching sports, visiting Altoona for coffee and shopping at T.J.Maxx, and spending time with her friends, family, and her dog, Carson.

Hoover is dedicated to making a positive impact on her students and the Tyrone community, and with a lifelong passion for science and education, Miss Hoover brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to her role.

This story was originally published on Tyrone Eagle Eye News on December 9, 2025.