Asbury University Educator of the Month: Janet Jones

It’s nearly 5 o’clock on a Friday afternoon – which is the end of another long work week – and special education teacher Janet Jones is not only still at the Veterans Park Elementary School, but she’s as fresh as a first-year teacher.

Considering all Jones does at the school, that’s saying something.

Along with teaching, Jones works one on one with students before school, is a K-TIP mentor to a new teacher, is one of the directors of the after-school program and frequently attends special programs at the school in the evenings.

Oh, and in between academic years, she teaches summer school.

“I’m less tired after a day of teaching than I was after a work day when I was a banker,” Jones said.

A business administration major in college, she worked at a bank in Lexington for 18 years until she abruptly quit when the job became one that required extensive travel.

“I didn’t have any jobs lined up, but I knew that I had to put my children first,” she said.

Jones wasn’t out of work for long as she found a calling after just two weeks.

A very good friend recommended her for an open middle school teaching position at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary in Lexington.

After a short stint at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, Jones moved to Veterans Park Elementary – as a tutor and classroom assistant – because her children attended the school.

Three years later, in 2003, she was offered a position as a special education teacher. Her new career in education was on its way.

At first, Jones worked hard to earn her emergency certification. Fifteen years later, she holds a master’s degree in special education and is a National Board Certified teacher.

She also was selected to become one of the first special education teachers in Fayette County to be a co-teacher.

As part of her work day, she co-teaches two language arts classes – one for fifth graders, the other for fourth.

“I felt honored to be selected for this, and the program is working very well,” she said.

The rest of the school day, Jones enjoys working both one on one and in small groups with her students.

Now well into her second career, Jones has no plans to slow down.

“I’m energized and motivated to do my very best every day,” she said. “The best part of the job is seeing my kids be successful. When they are excited, I get excited, too.”