High Contrast MENU Home MISC Pages PIO Pages Teacher of the Year About the 2021 District Teacher of the Year: Ci’Andrea Jones, who first joined the district as a paraprofessional in November 2014, transitioned to full-time teaching in July 2015. In her Teacher of the Year Application Questionnaire, Jones was asked how she, as a teacher, has had to change due to the pandemic. “To say the pandemic has changed me as an educator is a blanket statement. Often, we speak on focusing on the whole child as educators. We try to reach beyond our pedagogy and tap into their social and emotional well-being. The difference between now and before the pandemic is that I have the opportunity to make this daily practice for ALL of my students,” she wrote. “Often, we have moments while waiting on the other students to log on to their virtual classrooms to talk about life and how they may be feeling. One of my daily practices is going down my roll and calling each student’s name and asking them, “How are you feeling today?” I even have several students who ask about my well-being, too. Then there are some students who sometimes ask to stay behind to talk just to have a trusting adult to listen to...Although the pandemic has changed the traditional idea of school, I have never strayed away from a challenge. This pandemic has challenged me to dig deeper within myself to be truly more understanding of the whole child and not just academic results.” Superintendent Kenneth Dyer, who announced Jones as the winner via a virtual meeting on Thursday, said that Jones teaching style captivated the judges. “The judges were left inspired by this teacher’s creative and innovative use of music in her everyday classroom lessons which helped students grasp math concepts in new and powerful ways. Her energy, determination and zeal for her job is evident each day in her encounters with her students,” Dyer said. Jones’ principal, Steven Dudley, called her an exceptional educator. “While remaining current with the latest instructional strategies and technologies, she can still reach a troubled or struggling student with simple, yet profound, loving instincts and empathy coupled with complete professionalism,” Dudley said. “Likewise, she can accelerate and challenge her brightest of students because of professional development experiences and innovations.” One of Jones’ students who submitted a letter as part of Jones’ Teacher-of-the-Year Application packet, praised Jones for her teaching style and inclusivity. “Ms. Jones is also very inclusive. She allows her students to prove their leadership skills. She lets us lead ourselves through the lessons if we feel that we understand them enough, instead of holding us back and not allowing us to grow,” the student wrote. “She also doesn’t hold mistakes against us. She is very patient and understanding. If one of her students doesn’t understand, she’ll take the time to work with them so that they will be able to proceed without any problems. She doesn’t get tired of her students asking questions. She loves having conversations with the class. She doesn’t continuously drone throughout the lessons. She includes us in the conversation and makes sure that everyone has a say in the discussion. Ms. Jones makes us all feel included. Not only is she very inclusive, Ms. Jones always makes class interesting. She’ll throw in a game or two, which makes class much more enjoyable. She’ll allow us to have fun while continuing to improve our education while doing so. The games aren’t just for our enjoyment, she is making sure that we are learning in a way that will make the lesson stick with us. She makes sure that we are being present, prompt, and productive. While the classroom may be her home, Jones has her roots in the justice system. Before coming to the district, she served in the Dougherty County Magistrate Court as a deputy clerk. Prior to that, Jones served as a deputy sheriff with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department where she worked inside the county jail maintaining security and assisting with inmate booking. She’s a graduate of Thomson High School in Thomson, Ga., and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Albany State University. Visit Us 200 Pine Avenue Albany, Ga 31701 Get Directions Contact Us Phone: 229-431-1264 Email Us Site Map Departments & Programs Resources For Parents MySchoolBucks Human Resources Athletics Parent Portal Online Facility Rental The Dougherty County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, immigration status, primary language, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability in its education programs, activities, and/or employment. Questions or Feedback?Terms of UseBlackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated) Copyright © 2002-2021 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved.