Cynthia A. Jones
2003 Inductee
Cason Lane Academy
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Total years as a classroom teacher: 24
"When a teacher dances with, or teaches a child, something that seems like magic occurs. It is not merely magical; it is, in every sense, miraculous." - Cynthia A. Jones
Cynthia believes that a teacher is like the reflectors in a lighthouse. The light or energy of a child is redirected, refined, and magnified. A teacher's role is to focus and concentrate each child's light to reflect it back for self-clarification.
In her classroom, the inside world is taken out. Her students collected soap, lotion and shampoo samples fo rChristmas stockings for the elderly. Her class voted to not exchange Christmas gifts; instead they adopted two Salvation Army Angels, and collected eyeglass frames for the needy in Mexico.
"A 'born teacher,' Cynthia Jones is an example of what is good, right, and successful in American public education." --Susan Gendrich-Cameron, Principal, Cason Lane Academy
"One of the most important things Mrs. Jones taught us is something that is not found in a textbook. She taught us respect for all people and all things. She led by example so her students could follow. We have become better people from having had her." -- Richard Anderson, Former student
Education
1997 | M.A. Experimental Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University |
1979 | Elementary Education/Gifted Education, Georgia State University |
Teaching Experience
1991- present | 3-4th Grade (Loop), Cason Lane Academy, Murfreesboro, TN |
1983-91 | 1-2nd Grade, Mitchell Neilson Primary School, Murfreesboro, TN |
1980-83 | K-6, MERIT program for the gifted, Murfreesboro City Schools, TN |
1979-80 | 2nd Grade, Suder Elementary, Clayton County Schools, Jonesboro, GA |
Special Honors, Awards and Presentations
2002 | Inclusion, The New Parent Handbook, National Education Association |
2002 | The Apple for the Teacher Award, Tennessee Department of Education |
1999, 02 | State finalist, Tennessee Teacher of the Year |
1998, 01, 02 | Who's Who in Education |
1999 | Fulbright Scholar to Japan |
1995-2001 | White House Conference on Education, Albert Gore Family Reunion |
1997 | Original research presented in Durham, England, and Washington, D.C. |
1997 | Rutherford County Outstanding Teacher |
1996 | Rotary Club Outstanding Educator |
1995-Present | Principal Designee, Cason Lane Academy |
1994 | Recipient, Contributions to the Field, Dyslexia Center |
1993 | J. Champlain Award Outstanding Developmental Reading Teacher, college-level |
1992 | Rutherford Jaycee's Distinguished Young teacher |
1991 | Distinguished Classroom Teacher, TEA |
1985 | Thinking Skills Curriculum, Murfreesboro City Schools, creator and trainer |
1983, 84 | Rise and Shine Pre-Kindergarten Screening Program, co-creator and teacher |
1979 | Clayton County's Outstanding First Year teacher |