Super Sub: Retired History teacher returns for a semester

By JADA NAVALES 
The Tower 

Nina Norton’s short time on campus has created a safe space for nurturing young minds, no matter how temporary her classroom may be. 

After enjoying her retirement, Norton returned to the classroom, filling in for Jessica Culpepper who was on maternity leave. Taking over Manteca High’s AP U.S. History class for a semester, Norton has touched the lives of many students, showing us that some teachers never truly retire. 

Coming out of retirement is not a new concept for Norton as she has taken the role of a long-term substitute four times. Her motivation to come back and teach comes from her love of being an educator and building connections with her students.  

“I like the relationship you build,” Norton said, “So going back in the classroom, it just there are people that you will remember forever, you know? Even if you can’t remember names, you remember them.” 

Norton’s start of teaching at 21 was inspired by her own teachers and her passion for history. Having teachers that cared for her and her education influenced her deep passion for teaching. She is an example of the effect our teachers have on us and continues this legacy with her own students.  

Norton’s semester teaching at Manteca High School after her retirement was short lived, yet her impact remains as her influence on her students’ lives on.  

“She really showed passion within her job,” said Elizabeth Medoza, one of Norton’s students. “It really made me look forward to going to AP U.S. History.”  

Norton’s reaction to acknowledging her impact is one of surprise.  

“It’s always surprising to me,” said Norton, “because it’s one class, and especially with block (schedule), it’s four months that you don’t realize that you have that impact.”  

As Norton returns to Manteca for another substitute gig, her passion for teaching remains unchanged. She continues to inspire students, as even her temporary classroom becomes a haven for learning. Her passion for teaching is evident in the students that she has affected as her love for teaching influences her students to dedicate themselves to their studies.  

Norton is a woman who’s love for teaching transcends herself and has impacted the lives of many. 

The Tower caught up with Nina Norton to chat about her motivations and feelings on being an educator. 

The Tower: What made you start teaching? 

Nina Norton: I can’t remember not wanting to be a teacher… and my teachers influenced me. Having teachers who just cared in a time when you’re kind of growing up and awkward and you may not even like yourself very much, but they liked you and they care about you. So, it’s where I found success, it’s where I found comfort. And I have loved history since I was in the eighth grade. 

TT: What made you willing to come out of retirement to teach again? 

NN: I had always sworn I would never sub. Never. But long-term sub is not like regular subbing because they become your students. And so, you build a relationship with them, and you get to actually teach… And I like to teach. I mean I’ve been a teacher since I was 21 years old. I don’t know anything else. And I love teaching history the best. 

TT: How does it feel to know you’ve impacted so many students? 

NN: It’s always surprising to me because it’s one class, and especially with block (schedule), it’s four months that um, you don’t realize that you have that impact. …It just makes you feel that you touch their lives in some way, it makes you feel good. 

TT: What would you say to all your past students that look up to you? 

NN: I would say I hope that it’s my passion for teaching, my concern and care for them, and my work ethic. Those are things I hope they look up to.