The teacher of the month for October is Carolyn Jones. She is an extremely valuable member of the Hughson community as well as the team of Hughson High School educators. Jones has been a teacher at this school for the past 28 years, encapsulating her entire teaching career. 

Her dedication to physical education is where her impact is most prominent as her favorite part of teaching is building relationships with her students. Amberly Arguello described Jones class as energetic and fun because of Jones’ kind and caring personality. 

Jones said that work as a teacher is “a very rewarding job in that you get to be a part of the most influential time in a young person’s life.” Isabella Villareal is now a senior at Hughson High and has not taken a physical education class for the past two years, however, the time she spent in Jones’ course is not forgotten. In fact, Villareal said “Mrs. Jones is one of the best teachers. I always feel safe and comfortable talking to her.” 

The list of special individuals that inspired Jones to teach begins with a kindergarten teacher, along with a junior high physical education instructor, and her own family. Thanks to these people in her life, past, present, and future students at HHS, may experience Jones’ support, understanding, and patience as an educator.  

In an interview with The Paw, Jones said that one thing that keeps students engaged in her classes is by “setting an example and participating with them.” Hughson High student Johnny Martinez, described this style of teaching as “motivating” because they had never had a physical education teacher be so actively involved in instruction. 

Outside of the classroom, Jones enjoys participating in the Hughson community. As a Hughson High School alumni her experience as the Grand Marshall in the homecoming parade has become a very special memory and a great honor. When asked about the community Jones said, “I love how no matter what we truly care about one another.” 

 Jones is also the advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club on campus. This club relies on the involvement of coaches and athletes in the community and could not be successful without the efforts of Jones and the club leaders. 

After over two decades of working with students in the community, Jones recommended students to “be kind, always do your best and choose a job that makes you happy.” To the teachers just starting their careers Jones said “Stay open, practice what you teach, and always take the time to listen.” With that said, Jones especially wants people to know that she loves her jobs and is grateful to work at Hughson High because of both the students and staff.