Selina Jones

 

1. What is your educational background and what positions have you held? Please include the current school district and grade/s.

I received my undergraduate degree from SRU in Elementary K-6 and Special Education K-12 in 2012 and my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership (K-12) from Stetson University in Deland, Florida in 2017. I have held teaching positions in 2^nd, 3^rd, and 5^th grade classes, served as an Administrative Teacher on Assignment, Digital Learning Teacher Leader, and Assistant Principal. I am currently a Professional Learning Specialist with Volusia County School District in Deland, Florida where I create and facilitate training and professional development for teachers, clerical staff, administrators, academic coaches, and district staff.

2. Name one SRU experience, in general or specific to the field, that you will never forget and explain why.

Two SRU experiences that I will never forget were the Special Education Department trips to Costa Rica and Greece. Dr. Jodi Katsafanas took us to visit schools, and universities in those countries to study inclusion practices for students with disabilities. The students that we met, the cultures that we were able to experience, and the knowledge that we gained from those first-hand experiences shaped me to become the educator that I am today.

3. Name an SRU faculty that had a positive influence on you and explain why.

Dr. Michelle McCollin was the type of professor that you don’t forget. She was a fierce advocate for students with disabilities and had a contagious passion for teaching. She made us think, changed our perspectives, and made every minute of her classes impactful to all.

4. What initially piqued your interest in pursuing a degree in education?

I wanted to become a teacher the same way many others choose our profession, by experiencing several incredible teachers who made me want to inspire others the way they did. My 5^th grade teacher, 10^th grade U.S. History teacher, my 1^st grade teacher, and my 7^th grade Math teacher, to name a few inspirational teachers. My 4^th grade teacher, was one of the most impactful teachers that sparked my interest in becoming a teacher. She made learning fun, relatable, and exciting, while also holding us all to high expectations. One of the most memorable moments from her class was at the conclusion of reading Charlotte’s Web, she brought in a live piglet from a local farm and we spent the day applying what we’d learned from the lessons of the book across all subjects.

5. What do you love most about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is seeing the excitement in my students’ eyes when they finally have that “aha moment”. I enjoy building lasting relationships with students and seeing the tremendous growth that occurs from the first day of school to the last. Teaching is hard work but worth every minute to see my students grow. Now, as a professional learning specialist, I am fortunate to support teachers and coaches on best practices in order for them to ignite the spark of learning in their students at their school sites which increases my impact as a teacher leader.

6. What makes a great teacher?

Personally, I believe that the most important aspect of being a teacher is ensuring that my students know that I care about them and that they can do anything they set their mind to. Some of the greatest teachers that I have experienced set high expectations, teach students where they are, and instill confidence in their students all while instilling a love of learning in their students. Great teachers are not afraid to try new things, make mistakes, be flexible, and helps students to be independent thinkers.