A Beacon of Inspiration and Educational Excellence Is Named DCSD Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024
At the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, education is both an art and a science. Perhaps no one exemplifies this more brightly than fifth-grade teacher Kristen Jones, who personifies the perfect blend of patience, intelligence, and humor in her classroom. Her inspirational skills are redefining what it means to be a transformative educator, so much so that her peers crowned her the 2023-2024 Dekalb County School District Teacher of the Year at the 10th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards Gala in November.
This impressive honor for the mathematics and social studies teacher came with the prestigious title and a $1,000 check from Georgia United Credit Union, acknowledging her extraordinary educational commitment.
“It feels amazing. I still can’t believe it. I am truly honored to represent DeKalb as the teacher of the year,” Ms. Jones said, accepting the accolade.
The official announcement of Ms. Jones as the DCSD Teacher of the Year turned an ordinary math lesson into a spontaneous celebration of achievement and camaraderie, complete with music and singing outside her classroom door by her colleagues and other students, which is not surprising considering the creative environments throughout the performing arts school.
“I opened the door to a loud congratulations and a dance party. It was amazing,” Ms. Jones said.
It was Ms. Jones’ mother who inspired her to become a teacher. She loved watching her mother prepare lesson plans and activities for her students. Her mom also allowed her to do some of the activities at home.
“I got so much joy from being in school. So much so that I never wanted to leave,” Ms. Jones said. “As I got older, I also realized that I would have the opportunity to help students and have a positive impact on their lives.”
After seeing her lead a class for the first time, Dr. LaTonya Donald, the principal of DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, quickly recognized Ms. Jones’s exceptional ability to connect with students.
“One of the first things that impressed me about her is that her students really like her a lot. That part is significant because students will not learn from you if they feel like they cannot relate to you,” she said.
Dr. Donald also noted Ms. Jones’ remarkable patience and approachability, further highlighting the fundamental nature of effective teaching. Moreover, she points out that Ms. Jones’ support extends beyond the classroom. She has been instrumental in helping her colleagues, particularly in leveraging technology to enhance school communication.
“Contributing to the betterment of the community through education is where I need to be,” Ms. Jones said, underscoring her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of her students.
Being at the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts has proven to be a perfect fit for her. Ms. Jones has skillfully integrated the arts into her teaching methodology, enhancing the learning experience and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration among her colleagues and students.
Ms. Jones’ educational journey covers an impressive 16 years, all dedicated to nurturing young minds in DeKalb. She’s earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Paine College in Augusta and a gifted endorsement from DCSD. Incorporating all her professional experiences and education, Ms. Jones has mastered and refined the art of making math and social studies engaging and relatable to her students.
One of her students, Lucas Brown, speaks of Ms. Jones with admiration and affection, which are sentiments many of his classmates share.
“She’s smart and funny. When I’m in her class, I feel better,” Lucas said.
As the academic year unfolds, her students, like Lucas, already anticipate the bittersweet transition ahead.
“I’ll miss her when I go to the sixth grade next year,” he confesses, a testament to her influence on their lives.
In DeKalb County, Kristen Jones is a recognized beacon of inspiration and a symbol of educational excellence for her peers and this generation of learners.
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The DeKalb County School District celebrates the Teacher of the Year and two Education Support Professionals of the Year from each school. It allows them to compete at the regional level, which results in seven regional winners. Each regional winner competes for the district’s highest honor, the “Eddy Award” for Educational Excellence. Click this link to read about the other winners: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/default/dcsd-celebrates-employees-of-the-year-at-the-10th-annual-academy-of-educational-excellence-awards-gala/
Click this link to see pictures from the 2023-2024 DCSD TOTY gala at the Georgia World Conference Center on November 4, 2023, at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB2FCP