Teacher Jon Shomo is officially retiring after the Fall Semester of the Tallmadge High School 2023-2024 school year. Shomo, throughout his tenure as a teacher at Tallmadge, received his Teacher of the Year Award during the 2001-2002 school year.
“I was honored to be named TOTY in 2001-2002. My teaching style has evolved since then, hopefully keeping what works and improving on other things,” Shomo said.
Shomo reflected on the most positive thing to come out of his classroom during all of the years he has been a part of the community here at Tallmadge.
“The most interesting positive thing that captivated the students was the 2000 election between Bush and Gore. They were consumed and excited for about ten days, then began to worry about it ending before inauguration day,” Shomo said.
However, he could not do it without no one. He could not thank everyone by name, but he will be forever grateful for the opportunity provided to him by Tallmadge.
“Time doesn’t permit me to list all of the people who have helped me over the years. It truly does take a village. I’m so fortunate,” Shomo said.
One thing the history teacher will not forget is his roots. Shomo will indubitably love history, even when he stops teaching it.
“I have always been interested in history, so I doubt that’ll change,” Shomo said.
While he may not have a foolproof plan for retirement, he does know one thing that is not history: golf. Much of a spectator sport for most, Shomo won’t leave it behind when he leaves Tallmadge High School.
“No concrete plans. Other than to play a lot of golf,” Shomo said.
What Shomo does not know is who will be filling his shoes, but he has remained optimistic.
Shomo said, “There are a lot of good young people wanting to get into this profession; hopefully, whoever fills the position will be great.”