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Teachers of the Year at Avery Announced, Freedom Trail’s Jessica Jones To Represent ACS at State Level

Hank Hardin-Avery High, Lenin Sudderth-Cranberry Middle, Jessica Jones-Freedom Trail Elementary, Ann King-Avery Middle, Beth Waycaster-Banner Elk Elementary, Sarayah Smith-Newland Elementary, Nancy Christensen-Riverside Elementary, Cheltsea Duncan-Crossnore Elementary, Erik McLean- Avery Middle School (not pictured)
Hank Hardin-Avery High, Lenin Sudderth-Cranberry Middle, Jessica Jones-Freedom Trail Elementary, Ann King-Avery Middle, Beth Waycaster-Banner Elk Elementary, Sarayah Smith-Newland Elementary, Nancy Christensen-Riverside Elementary, Cheltsea Duncan-Crossnore Elementary, Erik McLean- Avery Middle School (not pictured)

May 12, 2014. Ms. Jessica Jones from Freedom Trail Elementary School was chosen as this year’s Teacher of the Year.

She will represent Avery County Schools at the state level this fall, and if chosen she will advance to compete at the national level.  Ms. Jones, as well as seven other Avery County Schools teachers, was nominated to represent their schools at the district level.  At this level, teachers were required to complete an application process as well as an interview where the committee selected Ms. Jones to advance to the state level.

When asked the question, “Why do you teach?” Ms. Jones responded, “I just love the students!  Science and math have a way of bringing out individual personalities.  Working with each one allows me to make that connection between learning and fun, especially in science and math.  I truly care about each one and no matter what happens at home, I want my classroom to offer love and encouragement.  Teaching is a calling for me, and I am so thankful that God has given me this job! Everything that I am, I owe to Him. ”

Brenda Reese, principal at Freedom Trail Elementary School said, “ Ms. Jones is one of the most creative teachers I have had the privilege to work with.  Her rigor and energy are contagious among her peers.  She genuinely cares about her students and has the ability to inspire them to keep seeking more.”

Ms. Jones is a graduate of Lees-McRae College and has been teaching in the Avery County Schools system for eight years.

A special thank-you is extended to First Citizens Bank of Newland (Clint Carraway, Vice-President Financial Service Manager) for sponsoring the Teacher of the Year.

Jessica Jones 2014 Avery County Schools Teacher of the Year
Jessica Jones 2014 Avery County Schools Teacher of the Year