Henrico's Top Teachers – Kellen Jones, JR Tucker High School

During his senior year at Virginia Commonwealth University, Kellen Jones attended a workshop about exceptional education. Throughout the speaker's presentation, Jones recalls, she repeatedly emphasized the word “challenge” when referring to the field of special education – which he said was "music to my ears."

Because he loves to challenge himself, Jones decided then and there that becoming an exceptional education teacher was his life calling.

As it turns out, that workshop was not simply a turning point for Jones; it was also a fortuitous event for his future students.

A parent who wrote to nominate Jones, a special education teacher at J.R. Tucker High School, called him a "godsend" for children with learning differences, who have often been struggling with comprehension since elementary school. Jones has a "gift" for teaching, said the parent. "He knows how to communicate effectively to children with special needs."

One student told family members that Jones's students often compare notes about how helpful and patient he is. A student's relative observed that during virtual classes, Jones always has his camera on, noting that not all teachers keep their cameras on throughout class.

"He doesn’t rush students, but encourages them, as they learn. He brings positivity and encouragement to challenging subjects and frustrating content. His calmness helps his students take a breath and understand," wrote a parent, adding that Jones is always willing to tutor students online, even after allocated school time, to make sure they fully grasp the lesson.

Among the role models that Jones credits for his ease in the classroom is his high school AP history teacher. Jones recalls that he was in awe of her ability to balance "high-quality engaging lessons" with the student-led debates and discussion that would emerge in response to her thought-provoking questions.

"I always marveled as she was able to transition so effortlessly between our independent activities and the vibrant class debates," Jones says. "One of the many skills I took away from her was her ability to always leave space for students to guide the direction of daily lessons and activities."

As for the challenge he craved when he became an exceptional education teacher, Jones admits that his students certainly present challenges. But the toughest part of his job has less to do with his students' limitations and special needs, and everything to do with a mindset that holds some of them back – specifically, a lack of self-confidence.

Jones sees his teaching role as one of guiding students to reach their full potential, while letting them know he has their back. Too many students lack an extended support system, he says, and he strives to make them see that he is "in their corner."

He also works to build their confidence through conferences and one-on-one meetings, in which he often shares inspirational quotes. One of his favorite quotes, he says, is, "I believe in you more than you believe in yourself.”

Jones cites one former problem student in particular who had a negative attitude and had been labeled a "cast-off," but eventually turned his life around. "He needed more people to believe in him," Jones says. "I viewed his past disciplinary record and attitude towards school not as a stumbling block, but as a turning point."

That student went on to become the CEO of his own independent trucking company, and later contacted Jones to express his appreciation for believing in him when no one else would.

"Our conversation was an emotional moment for me," Jones says, "as I underestimated the power of my presence, actions and words of encouragement have had on my former students."

Learning he played such a pivotal role in the young man's life was his most rewarding moment as a teacher, he says – but not the only one. He considers himself fortunate to hear from former students now and then, and is always grateful when they tell him what he meant to them.

"Such words seal the envelope for me," Jones says, "in realizing why I continue to mold the lives of my students year after year."