Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Vicki Jones
LEXINGTON, Tenn. — An atmosphere of fun plus fifth grade students equals Vicki Jones’ math class. “Math is really fun,” Jones said. “It’s hands-on, and there are a lot of different ways to get to the same answer, and kids can be successful in that.” The excitement Jones brings to the classroom is driven by the learning activities she chooses. “We do hands-on, we work with partners, just a variety of activities and games, and we get involved,” she said. “And I ask for their input — what do they want to do, how do they want to learn it, how do they want to show.” Jones pushes her students to work at their highest potential in and out of the classroom. “In addition to math, life skill — being respectful, treating others well, being a good, well-rounded person as well as all the academic parts of school but, you know, there is so much more to it,” she said. Jones says she starting teaching because she wanted to be able to help others. “I wanted to make a difference,” she said. “I wanted to help children learn and make it fun so they could learn more and continue their education and go to college.” She says her favorite part of the job is the excitement students get from learning. “Being with the kids, hearing their excitement when they go ‘I’ve got it!’ and helping others,” she said. “My big thing is have fun,” Jones said. “If you’re having fun, you’re learning.” Jones will be eligible for the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month Award. To vote for her or any of the other nominees, visit seehowitaddsup.com. To nominate a teacher for the WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News weekly award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.
