Subs- we’ve all had them, and although they’re normal people just like you and me, they collect the most rumors. Everyone’s heard that Mrs.So-and-so was abducted by aliens or that Mr. What’s-his-name was a prince in Egypt. And as much as everyone wants the truth, it’s kinda awkward to ask your sub their life story in the middle of chemistry. So, I did y’all a favor and interviewed some of Knoch’s best subs. You’re welcome.
Mr Young
When did you start subbing, and what inclined you to do so?
I stared in the fall of 09. I had returned from Savannah where I taught for a year, which I enjoyed. I started subbing because I had a student in Savannah, who when I asked what he would do when he graduated, and he said I don’t know-what will you do. A kid from the back of the room immediately said “maybe you should retire.” I still get a kick out of it. I wake up every morning without a job, but dress like I do. I wish I would’ve found teaching 40 years ago.
What did you do before you started subbing?
My degree is in mechanical engineering. I was a sales engineer and manufacturing representative
What’s your greatest memory of subbing?
The reason I get up to sub in the morning is to explain the difference quotient to anyone who will listen. My goal is to see the light bulb go off when they say “that’s cool!”
What’s your worst memory of subbing?
Hmmm. I don’t know. I want say I’ve ever had a bad day, kinda like the poem by Shel Silverstein. A young boy says “worst of all is when people don’t pay attention to me.” The old man responds, “I understand.” The worst part of my job is not getting respect.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not subbing?
Depends where I’m at. I like to play with my grandkids, but I don’t get to see them often. I enjoy singing and writing music, too.
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
Well, it would have to be teaching something, but I don’t know whether math, English, or music.
What’s your favorite class to sub for?
Math. Pre-Calc specifically. In fact, today (1-17-17) is difference quotient day!
Mr. Sorenson
When did you start subbing, and what inclined you to do so?
5 years ago.
What did you do before you started subbing?
I was a businessman.
What’s your greatest memory of subbing?
Hahaha good question. I think it’s basically just working with kids because I was a teacher before business. I was originally a school counselor.
What’s your worst memory of subbing?
Ummm probably teaching a very disruptive 7th grade reading class
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not subbing?
Amateur radio aka ham radio. It’s a hobby of mine.
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
Archaeologist- I like antiques, history and foreign travel.
Where have you traveled?
I lived in Egypt for 30 years- that’s where my business was. I’ve also lived in England, France and Switzerland among other places.
What’s your favorite class to sub for?
That’s a very good one. Science Technology and Special Education
Miss McMillian
When did you start subbing, and what inclined you to do so?
I started subbing Thursday January 5th 2017. Even though I just started I’ve been subbing every single day.
What did you do before you started subbing?
I was, and am a student at Clarion University. I decided to start subbing over break, since I do want to be a teacher.
What’s your greatest memory of subbing?
Hmm. Ok. I was an 8th grade math sub Friday, and I was teaching them how to determine the volume of a sphere. I used the term plug and chug, and they started laughing. I had no idea why. They said they’ve never heard it before, and I was astonished- just a couple years ago, when I was in highschool, it was common!
What’s your worst memory of subbing?
Being a reading teacher was not fun at all. It was boring for myself and the kids.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not subbing?
Well I’m at school so, there’s that! I’m also on the dance team up at Clarian, and I love being every moment of it.
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
A full time teacher- either as physics or secondary math.
What’s your favorite class to sub for?
Any class that involves math. I think it’s really interesting teaching different kids, regardless of their age, things you’ve known for so long that they’ve never even heard of.
Were you involved with math in high school?
I got up to calculous with Mrs.Voltz when I was here. It took me until Clac 1 in college to realize how well Mrs. Voltz did teaching everything.
What’s your biggest difference in being a student to teaching?
Being a teacher, you’re in charge of the students learning- you know what everyone will learn and how, whereas being a student it’s all up to the teacher. I prefer teaching!
Anything else?
For any seniors that are looking into college, I would highly suggest checking out the education field. There’s nothing better than giving others the gift of knowledge. Also- get involved! No one wants to sit in their dorm alone!
Miss Krumpe
When did you start subbing, and what inclined you to do so?
Last school year, so 2015. I started subbing because I couldn’t get a full time teaching position.
What did you do before you started subbing?
Nothing, I just worked at my high school job.
What’s your greatest memory of subbing?
A lot of interesting things happened last year, but I think my greatest memory was when one of the seniors last year walked into class and got so excited that I was subbing. He said I was his all-time favorite sub in all of Knoch. But on that same day a matchbox car got flown at my face…
What’s your worst memory of subbing?
One time I was subbing for 6th grade and a student stapled his finger… the staple came through his fingernail.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not subbing?
Usually, I like to go get coffee with my friends. Or sleep. That’s fun too.
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
To teach 7th grade social studies
What’s your favorite class to sub for?
That’s tough. I really like the sophomore and seniors; they’re pretty cool. My favorite subject is social studies.
Mrs. Simpson
When did you start subbing, and what inclined you to do so?
The first time I subbed here was the 80s between my travels to Egypt. I started subbing regularly in 2007.
What did you do before you started subbing?
Well, I lived in Egypt for 27 years. I was a tour guide in Romania for a year, three years before that I sold African art in Amsterdam, one year before that I lived in Brussels, and one year before that I was a governess in Paris.
I was also the first women ever certified as a scuba diver in Egypt in 1983. Oh, and I was held hostage in 87- but I don’t know if that’s appropriate for this or not!
What started your travel?
I was challenged by a teacher in 5th grade. she asked how I knew these countries really existed: I said, because I was going to see them all. When I graduated, I took my first trip to Europe. I gained 25 pounds in 45 days
What’s your greatest memory of subbing?
Seeing that I helped someone understand a problem.
What’s your worst memory of subbing?
When some students would not listen and became undisciplined/ difficult to control
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not subbing?
Traveling, cross country skiing, biking, quilting, and photography. That’s a big one-I won a national award for photography last year.
Anywhere you want to travel?
I haven’t been to Australia or Machu Picchu, but I’d like to.
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
Right now, I like subbing.
What’s your favorite class to sub for?
I like subbing in math, history, and learning support, and French- I was fluent but I haven’t practiced lately.
Anything else?
Saxonburg’s a nice town to live in, but everyone should travel. It gives a completely different perspective.
Thank you, subs, for cooperating with my strange questions. Remember that, although we don’t act like it, we all appreciate you!
