You walk into your first period class and see that there is no teacher at the desk. You anticipate that there will be a substitute. As the minutes go by you sit at the edge of your seat waiting for the moment of truth, and then she walks in. With a scrunchie in her hair and a sub folder in her hand, she makes her presence known by announcing “Get those snakes outta ya ears!!!” It is none other than Mrs. Jones.

Sandra Jones is a regular substitute teacher at Triton High School and is known for her wacky reputation. Although many students may not appreciate it, Jones has wisdom and knowledge due to her many years of subbing. I decided to have a sit down interview with her to understand how she truly feels about her job and what she thinks about the school she works in.

• What’s your favorite part about teaching here at Triton?

“Well, first of all I am a substitute teacher. I was a regular teacher here a long time ago, but I enjoy working with students. (Triton) is very close to where I live, so it’s an easy place to get to, and I really like all of the staff and the people I’ve met here.”

2.         Do you think that people at Triton are respectful?

      “I think that the majority, probably ninety-eight percent of them, are very respectful.”

3.      Do you think that the students at Triton give you the proper respect that you deserve?

          “I think that most of the ninety-eight do. We have a few little, well scuttlebutts, but that’s normal anywhere!” (Laughs).

4.     What are some of your favorite memories here at Triton?

           “My favorite memories? Well I really don’t want to mention anybody’s name, but there is a little girl here who has some health issues that I have known of for a long time. When I bump into her, she is such a pleasure, and I really enjoy talking with her. I thought that she had disappeared for a year or so, but I found out where she was again in the building. That’s one of my special things that come from Triton.”

5.    What are some of your least favorite memories working at Triton?

   “My least favorite memories? I have very good memories at Triton! I think the staff is great. I think the courses are great. I like subbing! We do have a few of what I call ‘noodles’ around in the building who once in awhile give people some aggravation, but not many. It’s usually a great day here.”

6.    When did you start working here?

  “Oh, lets see. We’re into 2017 so…. When did I retire? (takes out piece of paper and calculates answer) Probably 11 years ago. Maybe in 2006. I’ve been here about 11 years.”

7.    What do you think of your daughter also working here?

    “That doesn’t bother me. She doesn’t work here all the time.”

8. If you had to name a favorite staff member in the school who would it be?

  “I don’t like to do that. I can’t answer that question because there are very good people here. I don’t want to name somebody.”

9. What do you think Triton needs to improve on?

  “Well, I’ve been in a lot of rooms and a lot of places in different schools. It’s expensive to run a school. I think (Triton) is a very good, comprehensive high school. They have a tremendous amount of programs for kids who need special attention. I think that’s a positive point. The structure of the building itself is getting a little crumbly, but I think in general everyone here does a good job.”