Mr. Toland

Unless you are a parent of a physically challenged child, it is nearly impossible to fathom the time involved in even the smallest of tasks. Mr. Tom Toland, a Pre-Calculus teacher at Kiski Area High School, has first hand knowledge of this challenge. His twenty-seven year old son, Michael, has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. Tom and his wife Gaylene have been extraordinarily dedicated parents providing both the daily personal care, as well as taking Mike to many social and sporting events. In addition to being a dedicated father, Tom is an outstanding, award-winning teacher.

When he’s not teaching, Tom is a devoted father, staying on top of new developments and technology that will help Mike. When he found out about a new drug for cerebral palsy, he researched it, and took Mike to the best specialist in the country. The doctor surgically inserted a pump that provides the spasticity reducing medicine. Tom notes, “This drug has made a tremendous difference for Mike.” In addition, Tom and Gaylene provided Mike with a Dynavox that helps him communicate and allows him to work objects such as the DVD player, fans, anything that can be controlled by infrared light.

Along with the day-to-day physical care, Tom makes as many opportunities as possible for his son to enjoy sporting events. He takes Mike to Kiski’s baseball and volleyball games, but most of all to Mike’s favorite event, wrestling. Mike loves to watch the matches and gets so involved in the outcome, that he works up a full-body sweat! For a treat, last month Tom took Mike to the WPIAL wrestling championship at Gateway High School. They also go to 20 Pirate baseball games each year! Attending all the sporting events involves loading and unloading Mike's wheelchair, but Tom and Gaylene take this in stride.

For his exceptional service as an educator, Tom received the Teacher of the Year award in 2001 by the administration. With the standard of excellence upheld by all the teachers in the Kiski Area district, it is quite an honor to be chosen for this award. Along with this distinctive acclamation, Tom was also voted Teacher of the Year twice by the senior class. What is it that these students appreciate so much about their math teacher? “They know that I truly care about them. My door is always open, ” explains Tom. “I tell them, if they ever have a problem, they can call me at home or email me.” Tom says that students do call, especially before a test, to ask questions. He also holds tutoring sessions after school for anyone who wants help.

Mr. Toland & Michael

In addition, Tom makes it a point to be active volunteering his time in extracurricular activities. He has been the announcer for the wrestling team for 9 years, keeps the stats for the baseball team, and attends all the volleyball games. “I like to go to their games, plays, and competitions. You show the kids that you have a true interest in them.” Every year, Tom’s wife Gaylene makes a personalized teddy bear for each of the seniors on the volleyball team.

Tom is the kind of teacher who establishes a bond with his students. One year a student invited him to attend her graduation ceremony at West Point Military Academy. Without any hesitation, Tom and Gaylene agreed, and that spring made the long drive to New York. Though they had to rush back home to take Mike on a previously scheduled trip, they were happy to share that important event.

I found Tom to be quite remarkable in his commitment to both his family and students, truly a man who makes every day count. A humble man, he credits the excellent care of Michael to his wife. He says, “She’s the strength of this family. Gaylene does so much.” As for his awards, he praises his students, and adds, “I love the kids. They are an honor to teach.”

To watch the video, go to http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1312