MOUNT VERNON – Jan Jones is enthusiastic about her new role as a high school teacher at the ESC’s Knox Learning Center.
As she explained in her application, “I am ready for a change and excited to put my talents to work in a new environment.”
Originally from Mount Gilead, where she graduated from high school, Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from Ashland University and a master’s in special education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
She worked in management in private industry for 30 years before retiring. Her concern for children led her to come out of retirement and teach, ranging from talented and gifted students to those with autism, through the Midwest Regional ESC at Bellefontaine. For the last 10 years she taught through the Delaware Area Career Center.
“I am very glad to be here at the Learning Center,” Jones said. “I’m doing this after my initial retirement because I care about kids. Without a diploma, they face a long, hard road.”
Before applying to the Learning Center she knew that students in the K-12 building face a variety of challenges that prevent them from succeeding in a traditional school environment.
“They need to be shown that they are capable, that they can succeed,” Jones said. “Little by little, I am gaining their confidence.”