Talmadge "Tal" Jones
Talmage “Tal” Jones, an Arcadia High School science teacher, was named Arcadia’s 2011-12 Teacher of the Year at Tuesday’s (Sept. 13) Board of Education meeting. Jones has taught in Arcadia schools for 27 years with the first six at Foothills Middle School and the last 21 at Arcadia High teaching Biology, Biophysical Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Leadership Dynamics and Specifically Designed Academic Instruction Science. He earned his BS in Zoology from Brigham Young University and his Administrative Credential from Cal Poly Pomona.
In honoring Jones, the Arcadia School District says he is an exceptional teacher by all accounts even if his educational journey to a teaching career took a little longer than some. Married at an early age, Jones and his wife Debbie raised five children while he attended school and worked at different jobs. Through time, Jones delivered newspapers, operated a backhoe as a grave digger, was an orderly in a surgical hospital ward, and owned and operated two Baskin Robbins ice cream stores (opened the very first drive-thru Basking Robbins in the country). When he earned his degree in 1984, Debbie and all five children were there for his graduation.
Of his classroom, Jones says, “Step inside my classroom and expect the unexpected. This is not to say that careful thought and preparation have not been dedicated to each lesson, rather it makes reference to the exciting, unanticipated learning experiences that await my students on a daily basis. Step inside and soak up the stimulating sights, scents, and sounds of science that fill the room and the minds of my students.”
A few interesting tidbits about Jones:
• Each class ends with a unique 21-year tradition where a student is honored by being chosen to bang the large gong located at the front of his classroom.
• His father who waHis father who was the son of an educator.
• One day Tal had a kidney stone attack in class but continued teaching while laying flat out on the lab table and explaining kidney stone formation and the urinary tract.
• Graduated from San Gabriel High School and used to play in athletic events against Arcadia High School when they were in the same league (Pacific).
• Once lived in a town that has the longest name in the world (Llanfairpwyllgwyngylgogerichllandrobyllantisiliogogogoch)
• Has served for many years as a leader in his church (LDS)
• Has served as a Scoutmaster for a number of years
Site activities in addition to classroom instruction: • Science Department Chair • WASC Focus Group Co-chair • LINK Crew Coordinator (new program at AHS this year) • BTSA Mentor • Diversity Summit Chairperson • Faculty Congress • MC for yearly Charity Dance Show • Core Teacher Team Representative for Science Dept. • Established a science cross-age program with some of our elementary schools • Established a speakers bureau with medical professionals to make presentations to AHS science classes • Served as an advisor to many volunteer clubs which have connections to community organizations such as Key Club (Kiwanis) Interact Club (Rotary)
Recognition/Awards/Grants: • Profile in Excellence Award (2008) • Rotary Teacher of the Month (1987, 2004) • PTA Honorary Service Award (1987) • Recipient of numerous grants from Rotary/AEF/Retired Teachers
Personal: • Married for 36 years (Debbie), 5 children and 13 grandchildren • Loves sports/working out/gardening/genealogy/traveling (48/50 states and 15 different foreign countries) • Avid reader of history books
Information provide by Jones and Marilyn Daleo, Arcadia Unified School District’s Public Information Officer.