After 35 years of teaching at West Branch Area High School, Dana Swisher is planning to retire after the 2025-2026 school year. Over her entire career, she has taught Botany, Microbiology, Science 7, Science 8, Ecology, and Human Biology. In recent years, she has been tasked with teaching Honors Anatomy, Advanced Biology 9, and Science 9. Although she enjoys teaching all science subjects, her favorite course to teach is Honors Anatomy. She especially enjoys anatomy because she loves the challenging material and loves to see students learn and hear about their college plans. Although she isn’t currently involved or in charge of any clubs, in the past, Swisher was the advisor of the Science Club and the Envirothon team for many years.
Swisher grew up in the Clearfield, Frenchville area. She graduated from Clearfield Area High School. Throughout her high school career, she was involved in chorus, show choir, Key Club, ski club, and was on the gymnastics team. She attended Pennsylvania State University, where she double majored in Secondary Education and Biology and General Science. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts and plays, gardening, taking care of her pets, and spending time with family and friends.
Swisher’s favorite part about teaching at West Branch is the tight-knit community. Because it is such a small school, she feels that it creates stronger bonds, which adds to the educational experiences here. Student Emma Petriskey was lucky enough to be taught by Swisher in ninth grade for Advanced Biology and again in twelfth grade for Honors Anatomy. When asked about Swisher, Petriskey commented, “She is one of the most thoughtful teachers in the science department at West Branch. She really cares about what she teaches and never fails to explain something students don’t understand. She really cares about her students, and it shows!”
After retirement, Swisher hopes to spend more time with friends and family and extend her garden. She is also looking forward to having more time to relax and travel. Overall, she has loved her time teaching at West Branch.
