Deirdre M. Jones

3rd | Peabody Elementary

I teach. I am among the best in my field... an Irreplaceable.

Who are your heroes?

My heroes are the female members of my family. They have instilled in me the values of faith, family, and endurance. The support system that they provide has enabled me to face challenges and continue the journey regardless of the outcome. They are the wind beneath my wings. Especially my mother, Mrs. Beverly Hayes.

What one thing you would most want your students to remember about you?

The one thing that I would most want my students to remember about me is that I believed in them even when they did not believe in themselves. I could always see their potential for greatness.

Complete this sentence: My favorite part of the school day is…

The excitement expressed when a student has mastered a skill or comprehened a concept that was a challenge. The celebration of success is priceless.

What advice can you offer to new teachers starting out?

The advice that I would offer new teachers would be to form a good relationship with the parents of your students. Listen to their expectations, relate yours, and work together as a team to make the learning experience a success.

What have you learned about your own teaching as a result of the TEM process?

What I have learned about my own teaching as a result of TEM is that my success is in my hands. I get out of it what I put into it. To gain success you must fully invest in the process.