The first parent-teacher conferences of the 2023-24 school year are in the books, and it’s fair to say everyone has settled into the routine. That includes a teacher new to Callaway District School, Pat Recoy.

Recoy replaces Bob Keeney, who retired at the end of last school year as the business teacher and tech coordinator for CPS. He grew up in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School and Midland University in Fremont. He received his teaching endorsement in 7-12 business from UNK.

“I am starting my 13th year in education. I previously taught in Stapleton, North Platte, and Arnold,” said Recoy.

“I didn’t start out to be an educator, I think my wife’s love for teaching rubbed off on me,” he added. “I enjoy learning and passing that along to others.”

Teaching is a profession that requires a passion for your job, and Recoy certainly has that. “I thoroughly enjoy learning something new and passing it on to others,” he shared. “I also find value in the interactions with the students.”

Recoy encourages students entering college to consider a career in education, and offers the following advice to anyone who might be thinking about becoming a teacher. “With any career, I believe you need a firm understanding of why you are in that field and to know there are going to be bad days,” he said. “As long as the good outweighs the bad you are probably going to enjoy what you do.”

Pat and his wife Nicole have lived in Arnold for 25 years. His daughter is a 2023 graduate of Arnold High School and is currently attending Hastings College. His son is a senior at Arnold High School this year, and their youngest daughter started third grade this year, also in Arnold. When not busy with school activities the family enjoys traveling and camping.