Despite having imperfect behavior in high school, substitute teacher Gordon Berry tries to make a positive impression on students.

“… I wasn’t a good student in high school,” Berry said, “so that probably is what I draw from [to help students] too is remembering, trying to remember back that far, that was a long time ago, but trying to remember the daily things you have to go through as a student, and trying to help out there.”

Berry believes that in his position he get students to think , even though his time with them is limited.

“I like to get [students] to maybe think outside of where they’re thinking right now to think more of what’s going on what they can do with their lives down the road,” Berry said. “Because, you know, you’re not in school forever, that’s just a short period of your time, but you need to be there just so you can get the experience and learn and see some new ideas, plus you have to get that diploma no matter where you’re at whether it’s high school, college, or whatever.”

Career and Technical Education teacher Ben Mellen looks to Berry as one of his first options when he needs a substitute.

“He’s dependable as far as a sub,” said Mellen, “so he’s always my top one or two that I would get. The students always have a good response to him when I come back the next day, they always say, he did this or he told them a story [about] some of his experiences.”

Agricultural Education teacher Laura Priest also values Berry’s assistance at school.

“Oh my gosh,” said Priest, “[having him substitute is] so great because he has a degree in education, and he’s not afraid to use discipline which sometimes subs kind of let kids do what they want, but Mr. Berry is very consistent. He is fair, and when you leave a lesson plan or directions he does them, and he makes sure the kids do what they need to do. So when I come back … We can just pick right up where we need to be … He’s comfortable enough to leave notes, he’s not afraid to call and ask questions if there’s a problem, so he’s just a really excellent sub and a really great resource.”

Berry attributes his ability to help students to the knowledge he has gained throughout his life.

“I think [I influence Free State] with my age and experience,” Berry said, “I have a lot of experience. I’ve lived through a lot of situations that I think probably of students are, so that helps me to maybe help out where I can.”

His knowledge in business also helps him when he substitutes for Mellen.

“[He is a] really, quality individual, [who is a] knowledgeable person in our business area,” Mellen said. “He can easily talk to the kids about some of his business experiences. As a sub, [he is] just very dependable, no concerns whatsoever, just let him know [what to do], and he’ll take care of it.”

Mellen also claims that when he has Berry substitute for him he has nothing to worry about.

“[He is] very dependable,” said Mellen, “it’s easy for me to plan if I know he’s going to be there, I can just send him some information, and he’s got it taken care of. I don’t sweat it or anything … With him even if something with the lesson goes wrong, he’s knowledgeable enough … that he’ll just step in and do something that’s worthwhile. Which is really good from a sub that you can count on.”

When Berry begins substituting for a teacher he feels that some students just view him as another substitute, but that over time they begin to enjoy his presence.

“I think once students get to know [me] they know that I care about them,” Berry said, “That I enjoy visiting with them, and things like that. And I think they respect that after a while.”

Both Mellen’s and Priest’s students enjoy having Berry as their substitute.

“Overall my kids enjoy having Mr. Berry,” Priest said, “When I say, ‘Mr. Berry is going to be your sub,’ they get really excited … he reaches out to all the students, and I think that’s what’s really good about Mr. Berry, he doesn’t play favorites.”

If Berry sees a student struggling he does his best to provide what they need.

“I try to help out wherever I can,” Berry said, “If a student needs some help on something, and I can do it, that’s hopefully benefitting that student. Some categories I’m not that much help; others I can help out a lot, probably.”

Small things, Berry believes, can also help make some people’s days a bit brighter.

“Maybe a smile is helping somebody out one day,” Berry said, “Not only with studies or whatever, but it might just be a pat on the back maybe.”

Priest has witnessed Berry’s friendly disposition. She believes his character is valuable to the school.

“What I love about having Mr. Berry in this school,” Priest said, “Is that he has a very positive presence … he always has a friendly word, a smile for all the students, for the teachers, he just makes people feel really comfortable.”

Berry claims that it is impossible to know when someone will need to help, so he tries to be ready to assist whenever a problem may arise.

“You never know when [someone is] going to [need help],” Berry said, “Especially in a school because I’m in a lot of different areas in the school, a lot of different subject matters, so if I can be there and help anybody out that’s what I try to do.”

Because of his attitude and willingness to help out with students and staff, Mellen feels that Berry is a popular substitute.

“He’s such a likeable person,” said Mellen, “Well-respected. The students and the teachers get along with him really well.”