Influential Woman · Education

Faith Jones

ELA and Social Studies Consultant, South Carolina school district

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Undergraduate degree in Elementary Education Degree Master's degree in Curriculum Degree PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University Cert PhD in Organizational Leadership Cert Certification in Leadership Member South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Member Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA)

Her Story

About Faith

Born to a family of educators with my grandfather serving as a principal, I knew from a young age that education was my calling. Over my 14-year career, I have progressed from elementary school teacher to instructional coach to assistant principal, and now serve as an ELA and social studies consultant for a large school district in South Carolina. This is my fourth year in this position, where I am assigned to mentor teachers and coaches within designated schools across our 28 elementary schools. A key part of my work involves writing curriculum for social studies and English language arts for K-5, and I'm grateful to be in schools regularly so I can receive input from actual people who are teaching every day and put that input into action. I recently completed my PhD in organizational leadership from Columbia International University, conducting research on values congruence and turnover intention among educators in rural areas, which held deep personal significance as someone raised in a rural area. My passion has always been to ensure that I am delivering the best to all students and their families, and I believe this work isn't about perfection because none of us are perfect, but it's about serving others around us.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Faith

01What do you attribute your success to?

My success is grounded in my upbringing. My parents, who are deceased, really grounded me in education and made sure that I was well-rounded. Being raised in a family full of educators, with my grandfather serving as a principal, had a big impact on my path and inspired me from a young age to pursue this calling.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is to stay grounded in my values. This has been a guiding principle throughout my career and continues to shape how I approach my work and interactions with others.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would tell young women entering education to know your worth and do the work. Values are important, and you need to remember that this work isn't about perfection, because none of us are perfect. It's about serving others around us. Stay grounded in what matters most to you and focus on the impact you can make on the students and families you serve.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges in education right now is teacher retention. My dissertation actually focused on values congruence and turnover intention among educators, examining the relationship between values congruence and turnover intention to understand what about the values in the organization is making teachers even want to leave or stay. On the opportunity side, I see success in us conforming and being proactive, changing the way in which we deliver professional learning and the way in which we support stakeholders so that they are able to ensure our children have quality education. Education has not lost its fame or its touch, it's just different. We're all still trying to influence children, instill our values in them, and make sure that they're ready for the real world, whether it's college or career, making sure that they know their values and the world around them as well.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are respect, treating others with respect and dignity, and leaving people with the same dignity that they came to you with. I also believe in having a positive outlook and being proactive versus reactive. I strive to be an active listener, not a passive listener, and I lead with the same dignity, kindness, and respect that I expect to receive from others. These values guide everything I do, both professionally and personally.

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