Jenny Jones had several good teachers when she was growing up, and their example inspired her to take up the profession as she grew older.

“When I was a child, I remember a few teachers speckled throughout my school years that were very instrumental in my life, and I also remember the ones who were very negative,” Jones says. “I want to be that teacher that students remember for the positive things, and how I helped to improve their life and their future.”

Jones, currently a third grade teacher at Swift School in Bon Secour, has worked at the school since 2007.

“Early in high school, I knew I wanted to work with children and help them in some way,” Jones says. “It wasn’t until later that I decided that teaching would be the direction I was going to take to accomplish this goal. I knew teaching was an avenue where I could make a difference and greatly impact the lives of children and their future.”

Jones says she loves her job because it is about more than schoolbooks and lessons plans.

“I love teaching and feel grateful that I am in a field where I can see children progressing in life,” Jones says. “I am not only teaching children academics, but also life skills and that is so fulfilling.”

Jones says her favorite part of her job is seeing her students succeed in life after leaving her classroom.

“When I see students years later coming back to the school or out in town and they have succeeded in their life, I am overwhelmed with excitement,” Jones says. “Students from some of the most dire circumstances are making great accomplishments in their lives and they tell me how I was part of making that happen.”

Regardless of who the student is or how long ago Jones had them as a teacher, she says it is always rewarding to see them again.

“Being a teacher is very empowering even outside of school, especially when you see students out in town,” Jones says. “They are screaming to chase you down to say ‘hello.’ I will never get tired of that; it is so cute.”