There are numerous substitute teachers at C. M. Russell High School, and they come in a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Joe Ban is just one of them.

He has been substitute teaching off and on for more than 20 years for the Great Falls Public School district.

On Monday, he subbed for Beth Britton’s Intro to Journalism class for a surprise group interview from the whole class.

 He went to and graduated from Great Falls High School. Things have changed from his time as a high schooler, however.

“When I was in high school, there were only sophomores, juniors, and seniors,” Ban said. 

There used to be many more clubs than what there is today. He played golf and was the basketball team’s manager. However, he was the only manager who ended up being fired. He was fired due to his hair being “too long” despite Ban believing it wasn’t that long to this day.

After graduation, he went to college. His original plan was to go into advertising, but that didn’t stick for long. He moved to news writing for around three years. 

Ban earned a degree in journalism, health and PE, a teacher’s certificate, and a master’s degree in counseling.

Today, Ban is a partner in a health center and a substitute teacher off and on. 

“Being able to see a student mature and grow,” is his favorite thing about being a substitute teacher.