In his life, Brian Jones knows what it takes to overcome adversity, but he didn’t learn perseverance without help.
From being a first grader who couldn’t speak English, to being a Native American foster child on a Midwest farm, then relocating to Beaverton, Ore., Jones needed support early on.
But with the help of teachers along the way, they’ve taught him the recipe for success; A recipe he feels compelled to share.
After four college degrees and 10 years working as a successful lawyer in business and corporate law, Jones wants to fulfill what he believes has always been his calling.
“My passion has always been teaching and kids,” Jones said. “How important it is to have teachers and administrators and community know that their greatest asset is their children, that they are the leaders and foundation for our community and for our state and for our nation.”
Jones, 37, who was raised speaking the national language of the Cherokee Nation and Spanish, is one of four new teachers coming to Alderwood Middle School this fall. He will be teaching Social Studies.
Jones is one of 105 new teachers to the Edmonds School District and one of 58 that have never taught before, said Nancy Cartwright, who works as the manager for mentoring new people to the district.
Jones said he is receiving a warm welcome to the district.
Alderwood Middle School Principle Suzie Baier said, “We pride ourselves as being a family and we think Brian fits into our family. We want to support the people around us first and Brian adheres to that.”
“Family is paramount to your success, to pick you up on your highs and your lows,” Jones said.
And he plans to utilize this philosophy in the classroom with his students. “Your students need to know that you care about them not only academically but about them personally and that’s what Edmonds to me stands for,” Jones said.
“His energy, his passion for education, is just outstanding for Edmonds and Alderwood Middle,” vice principle Cinco Delgado said.
As an emphasis to his students, Jones wants to instill what was instilled by his past teachers.
“One of my golden rules is seek first to understand and then to be understood,” Jones said. This goes hand in hand with his fundamental belief that respect, dignity and compassion are all necessary for success.
“To have respect (students) must give respect, not only to me but to their peers,” Jones said. “Agree to disagree as long as you do it with dignity and respect. This builds acceptance of culture and diversity and allows you to open your mind.”
This serves as the foundation for building strong teams and families, Jones said.
Jones believes part of his job is to “make (students) prepared socially to be productive within the community.”
Although Jones has no professional teaching experience, he’s been an active supporter and mentor to his community for several years.
“I’ve worked with Special Olympics for 19 years as a volunteer as well as a board member and have been heavily involved in the camps, trainings and competitions,” Jones said. “It’s been dear to my heart.”
He is an active board member and will continue to support the Special Olympics while teaching.
Jones also continues to be involved with the Native American community by teaching civics courses at the Medicine Creek Tribal College.
Aside from the challenges brought upon Jones from teaching, he is always pushing himself to achieve personal goals.
Jones competes in the Iron Man, and is a 4th degree black belt in Tai Kwan Do
“Challenges and obstacles are opportunities for successes,” Jones said. “What road we choose to take with those determines our own personal fate.”
Jones hopes that, as an educator, he can teach the youth to overcome their own challenges in life.
“We’re empowering them to say whatever dream or goal you have, the sky is the limit. Empowering them is what I think education does”
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