"Oh, go cook a radish," is the statement to look out for when you are around Mrs. Elsie Gass, permanent substitute. She says this when she becomes impatient with someone and wants them to leave.

Having taught everything from history to sewing, Mrs. Gass is ready to pinch‑hit for almost any class, though she prefers history and English.

As have many other teachers, Mrs. Gass traveled in Europe. She lived in London, England, for two years before World War II. She had several embarrassing experiences, one in which she stepped out right in front of a car, forgetting which way to look before crossing the street. "Another thing one must get used to in England," comments Mrs. Gass, "is that the British must always have their tea."

Previously, Mrs. Gass taught high school history in Nebraska for eight years and roomed with one of West's well‑known teachers‑Mrs, Alice Aegerter.

Mrs. Gass loves to travel and has seen most of the United States. She also likes to read. Her favorite book is The Prophet a book on philosophy.

Her pet‑peeve is people who are always complaining. In her classes, she often encounters people who say they can't do things when they won't even try.