SARA JONES

ABOUT ME

     Most people fall into two categories when reflecting upon their high school experience: those who never wanted to graduate, and those who were intent on leaving as soon as they received their diploma. If you asked me during my high school years, I would identify as the latter, but now I regard those years fondly and consider them to have played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. If I had to narrow down my educational experience into the most influential parts, it would be comprised of excellent teachers and coaches who acted as mentors, my involvement in sports and extracurricular activities, and my English classes. I was fortunate enough to be placed into classrooms with teachers who were passionate and knowledgeable in their content area, and I was even more fortunate to train under some of the best coaches who implemented life-long principles. Sports provided an opportunity to develop and build personal skills such as self-discipline and the perseverance necessary to work toward goals. While I gained social and physical competencies in extracurriculars, my consistently favorite subject throughout my school experience has been English. It was in my English classes where I learned how to process information and formulate opinions as well as strengthen my communication skills. I have always considered literature to be a beautiful culmination of art, history, philosophy, and even psychology, making it a foundational subject for one’s academic and personal development. 

     It was because of my rich educational experience that I chose the teaching profession. My teachers, mentors, and extracurricular involvement throughout my schooling have influenced my passion for creating an encouraging educational environment for future students to thrive in. I pursued this goal through my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with a minor in English and gained my teaching certificate in Health and Physical Education for grades K-12. I was convinced that I wanted to focus on working with elementary-aged students, until I accepted a full-time substitute position for sixth grade girls’ P.E. It was during this time that I discovered a passion for working with older students who were in the process of figuring out their own interests and activities that they wanted to pursue. While I enjoy the physical education setting, I do not want to be limited to health and physical education and can see myself sharing my passion for reading and writing in the English classroom as well. 

     I received my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in English from Louisiana Tech University in my hometown of Ruston, Louisiana. After my undergraduate career, I decided to branch out and try living somewhere I hadn’t before, which led me to Arkansas. I have spent the past year in Arkansas working at a family therapy office as a receptionist while also pursuing a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in English Education.

     I strongly believe that every child should be encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities offered during their secondary education to discover their academic, social, and personal aspirations. Hemingway states that “there is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” I desire to provide an environment in which students feel safe and encouraged to challenge themselves and grow as individuals in order to become the best person they can be. With my unique background in sports, academics, and other extracurricular activities, I feel called to inspire students to pursue and develop whatever interests they may have.