Susan (Patchin) Toomer, a 1986 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, has dedicated her life to education and making a difference in her community. After high school, she pursued higher education at Dixie Junior College before transferring to Southern Utah University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1989. With a lifelong passion for teaching, Susan returned to her roots in Pahrump to begin a fulfilling career that has spanned more than three decades.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Susan shared. For Susan, returning to Pahrump was a natural choice, one that allowed her to recover from knee surgery while living rent-free with her parents. “Jobs were a little harder to find elsewhere, but Pahrump had an opening by the time I finished my student teaching,” she explained. The opportunity to coach and teach in a smaller district was exactly what she wanted, and it’s a decision she’s never regretted. Her career journey began in May 1990 at JG Johnson, where she taught fourth grade. Over the years, she adapted to various teaching roles, including middle school subjects, kindergarten, first grade health and PE, and now pre-K at Mount Charleston. Her commitment to education and the well-being of her students is evident in the many fond memories and milestones she has accumulated along the way.
One of Susan’s fondest memories from high school is of Mr. Mentzer, a teacher who had a unique way of making a point. “He would stand on desks, do the thump and the stomp—it was pretty cool,” she recalled with a smile. In high school, Susan was an all-around student who participated in a wide range of activities, including sports, drama, band, and even the flag team. “I played softball, basketball, and volleyball, and I was in all the plays,” she said. “I also played flute and drums in the band. I played the flute forever, but I wanted to do something a little more fun, so I switched to drums my senior year.”
Her journey into teaching was shaped by several key influences, including Mrs. Crowther, a teacher from her elementary and middle school years. “She was someone I modeled myself after because she was always fair, compassionate, and didn’t let us get away with anything,” Susan noted. While her high school coaches were not always the best influence, her college coaches left a lasting impact on her approach to teaching and coaching.
Throughout her career, Susan has faced challenges, particularly in working with students who don’t fit the traditional mold. “The key is to keep brainstorming, ask colleagues for advice, and never give up,” she emphasized. She believes in the importance of recognizing everyone’s strengths and working together to achieve the best outcomes for students.
One of the highlights of Susan’s professional life has been her involvement in coaching. She has coached volleyball, basketball, and softball at the high school level and volleyball and basketball at the middle school level. “Helping teams go to state and being part of the softball team that won state four times were definitely milestones,” she said. But beyond the wins, it’s the students who come back to share their successes and thank her for the role she played in their lives that truly stand out.
Susan’s advice to aspiring teachers is simple yet profound: “Go for it. It’s going to be hard, but it’s worth it.” She believes that the connections made with students, even on the most challenging days, make the effort worthwhile. “When your most challenging student gives you a hug, you know the connection is there, and that’s what makes it all worth it,” she said.
Outside of work, Susan enjoys riding her bike, playing pickleball, scrapbooking, and reading. She and her husband, John, have been married for 30 years and have four children, all of whom graduated from Pahrump Valley High School. They are also proud grandparents to their 19-month-old grandson, Wayne.
Despite officially retiring in 2022, Susan continues to work in education on a critical need basis. “Retirement didn’t last long,” she joked. Her love for teaching and her commitment to the community remain strong, and she continues to stay connected with former classmates and friends through Facebook and community events. Looking ahead, she is excited about participating in the Park to Park ride in Lincoln County, a challenging cycling event she has completed twice before.
Reflecting on her life since high school, Susan is grateful for the strong educational foundation she received at PVHS. “You can do basically whatever you put your mind to,” she said. “The school gave us a really good basis for education and college, and if you choose to come back here, it’s a great place to live.”
Susan’s journey, marked by dedication, resilience, and a passion for making a difference, continues to inspire those around her.
