Her Story
About Kelly
Kelly Jones is a general education teacher and interventionist based in Georgia with 26 years of experience in the education field. She currently serves as an interventionist responsible for supporting at-risk students in literacy and math, teaching grades 4 through 8, after spending 25 years teaching physical science. Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in middle grades education for grades 4-8, a master's degree with a concentration in mathematics education, and a specialist degree in leadership K-12. She also maintains certifications as a Scrum Master and in diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as a Project WIT endorsement. Kelly was recognized as Teacher of the Year earlier in her career. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and the Order of Eastern Star. Kelly attributes her success to watching her mother, a middle school ELA teacher, and learning from veteran teachers who shared practical classroom strategies. She values authenticity, organic relationships, kindness, and communication in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from watching my mom who was a middle school ELA teacher and from veteran teachers who shared tricks of the trade. As much schooling as I have, this field has the least amount of training once you're in the classroom, so guidance from seasoned teachers was key.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do what you can do in your space with your scholars and your creativity. Don't think on the macro level, only focus on what's in front of you. Keep planting the seed in your space where you can control it. The ground will be fertile somewhere.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Work-life balance is key. You can be replaced. The building will still be there if you need to take a day. Try not to take work home. The days are long but the years are short. Don't dismiss your family for the job because they are not replaceable.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's me against the system. I can only change small things on the micro level when on the macro level things are not moving. We are at an impasse when it comes to forward movement and growth. The system expects us to be on page 6 by a certain date but doesn't account for the real needs of scholars like whether they ate or their health.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity first and foremost. Please be who you say you are so I can meet you there. I value organic relationships, kindness, politeness, communication, and relationships. You can do anything else on top of those things.
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