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Learning to teach
USF Lakeland graduate helps address
Polk County teacher shortage
Jennifer Jones
LAKELAND,
FL (December 18, 2007) - To address a teacher shortage, Polk County Schools aims to hire 1,000 new teachers for the 2008-2009 school year. Jennifer Jones aims to be one of them.
Five years ago, Jones worked as a teacher’s aide in a Polk County elementary school. Today, after receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida Lakeland, she’s ready for a career as an elementary school teacher.
“After working as a paraprofessional for a short while, I knew teaching was for me,” said Jones. “I love working with students, and I enjoy being home with my own children when school is out. “
She also knew she needed a college degree to achieve her dream of teaching. A graduate of Kathleen High School, Jones earned an associate of arts degree in elementary education from Polk Community College before entering USF Lakeland.
“Both schools shared the same campus, so I felt comfortable going from PCC to USF Lakeland for my bachelor’s degree,” she said. “I enjoyed the smaller class size and the interaction with students and professors.”
Jones is the first member of her family to graduate from college. She credits family support with helping her succeed.
“It hasn't been easy attending college and working full-time, as well as trying to tend to the needs of a husband and two children, 11 and 8 years old,” she said. “I have been fortunate to have the support of my family and friends, who supported my efforts in many ways. They were always cheering me on. They praised me for good grades. They often reminded me that I was getting closer to the end. And on several occasions they provided child care when I needed to go to class or do some studying. My husband was one of my biggest cheerleaders. He supported me a lot by helping me with the kids, housework, and other things I didn't have enough time for.“
Her family and friends had another chance to cheer during USF Lakeland’s Dec. 17 commencement ceremony. As she walked across the stage, diploma in hand, Jones took the final steps in her journey from student to teacher.
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