Biology is a class that most students at Arcadia High School (AHS) take. It introduces students to a sprawling branch of science and is often a class that sticks with students throughout their high school years, and even longer. Mr. Tal Jones has been teaching Biology, as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology, for years, and has been a science teacher in AUSD for even longer. With his humor and levity, Mr. Jones’ classes are unforgettable and leave an undeniable impact on his students.

Mr. Jones has been teaching in this district since 1984. He began at Foothills Middle School when it used to be a junior high school. He said that the biggest change was probably the fact that there were no freshmen at the high school, only three grades. Mr. Jones also added that the student population was much larger, and physically, much of the high school looked different—down to the building that he teaches in, which was built very recently.

When asked about what he would miss most about school, Mr. Jones said, “Probably the interaction with students everyday, and my association with faculty. What I will not miss is driving here from Rancho Cucamonga everyday.”

Mr. Jones recalled several memorable experiences from his many years of teaching. He spoke about an event during his years at Foothills, where his students let 1500 balloons go with notes attached to them in order to learn about wind currents. The class received responses from many people, with one balloon making it all the way to Wisconsin. 

A meaningful experience that Mr. Jones recounted was a personal interaction with a student. He was talking with a student after class, when the student said that Mr. Jones seemed less like a teacher to him, and more like his dad.

“It was probably the greatest thing anyone could say,” Mr. Jones remarked, adding that he always wants his students to feel like they can be open with him, which is something that he has definitely achieved.

After retiring, Mr. Jones plans to move to Texas with his wife, where two of his children currently live. He’s interested in doing some form of writing or a podcast that focuses on teaching and education. He notes that he just wants to “keep going,” and try out new things, especially those related to his experiences as a teacher and science in general.

As an essential part of this district for almost 40 years, Mr. Jones is sure to be missed by students and staff alike.  

Photos courtesy of AHS Yearbook