Jennifer Jones Leads STREAM Education at Resurrection Catholic School in Lakeland
Ms. Jones’ hope for her students: “I want students to walk away from my classroom with a love of learning. I want them to think that learning is fun and be inspired to be a life-long learner, always looking for new ways to grow.”
What does a STREAM education look like for your child? At Resurrection Catholic School – the first STREAM certified school in Polk County – students receive an academically enriching and engaging education that incorporates important STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) as well as Religion and the Arts.
One of the educators making an exceptional education possible at our Polk private schools is Ms. Jennifer Jones. As Resurrection’s STREAM Coordinator, she continually works to design and implement innovative educational experiences that expand students’ minds and help them build the skills to succeed in the 21st century.
Learn more about Ms. Jones’ background, what she loves about her Catholic school, and how she keeps students engaged in the classroom.
Inspired to Teach From a Young Age
Ms. Jones always knew teaching was the right path for her. Born and raised in Key West, she received a Catholic education at the Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea. Her mother was a Kindergarten teacher there, so school became a home-away-from-home and the staff her extended family.
“I saw each teacher’s dedication to helping students grow physically, mentally, and spiritually and that inspired my desire to do the same at an early age,” she says. “I knew teaching was my path and I never considered doing it somewhere other than a Catholic school.”
Ms. Jones has now been teaching for 18 years, and she is thrilled to be part of the amazing Resurrection Catholic School community. What she loves most about teaching at a Catholic school is the ability to live the Gospel message every day.
“I love that our faith is infused not just into every subject area, but into every conversation and interaction with another person on our campus,” she says. “We approach each other from a place of love because God first loved us.”
Building Students’ Critical & Creative Skills
As the STREAM Coordinator, Ms. Jones helps students grow critical skills in subjects like science, engineering, and technology within a creative, student-led environment.
“I love giving students the opportunity to creatively explore and learn in ways that are different from the typical classroom,” she says. “I love to nurture curiosity and wonder at the incredible world God has given us!”
She ensures students are engaged by giving them an active role in the classroom and making the learning experience fun. Students’ questions often guide their explorations, and they have many hands-on opportunities to create, build, and explore.
Above all, she is committed to providing academic excellence to students.
“Resurrection Catholic School is unique because we keep evolving. We are not satisfied with doing things just because it’s the way things have always been done. We are always striving to provide the best possible educational experience for our families.”
Getting to Know Ms. Jones
What does Ms. Jones love outside the classroom? Here are a few fun facts:
She is a Disney World Passholder and loves “disneybounding,” which involves dressing in clothes inspired by characters and completing Disney fashion challenges on her Instagram page.
Her favorite book is “Archangel” by Sharon Shinn.
Her favorite movie is “Newsies.”
A Bible verse she loves is Philippians 4:6-7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If she could have any superpower, she would choose teleportation. “I wish for this anytime I have to drive long distances.”
Join us in thanking Ms. Jones for the love, knowledge, and joy she brings to the Resurrection Catholic School community!
Faces of Catholic Education is an ongoing series in which we spotlight faculty and staff at Polk County Catholic Schools and celebrate the love they have in their hearts for seeing children grow through a Catholic school education.