Several of last year’s Algebra 2 classes faced the challenge of two teachers leaving the school before the semester ended. Fortunately, after being taught by two different people and working with substitutes in between, the previous Spanish substitute, Kristen Jones, paved the way for their success.
“When she came in I wasn’t expecting much since the last few teachers weren’t very helpful to me.” Junior Shereyla Ymalay said. “But, as the year went on it started to feel like she was our teacher the whole time since she was open with the class and understanding.”
Understandably, Jones’ students initially had trust issues due to the instability with teachers. However, she made sure to give them the attention they had been lacking and they grew to appreciate and look up to her.
Without certification to teach math or her own material to use for the class, Jones began teaching differently than the rest of the staff.
“She had to prepare herself differently to teach us, almost making her a better teacher because she wasn’t only trying for herself, but also for everyone else. She knew that there were people relying on her, fulfilling everything that she was expected to and more” said sophomore Grace Reid.
Learning along the way wasn’t difficult for Jones, as math had always come easily to them. However, a recent transition from math to biology went from obscure, finite answers to evolving and open-ended.
“I’m constantly learning new things and reteaching myself what I learned 15 years ago. I’ve heard one teacher say if you can teach one thing, you can teach any subject, so I felt that was very true” Jones said.
Taking the job opening for honors and standard biology, Jones had to be flexible and face the challenge of teaching new content. A tough transition, and Jones preferred this over teaching the same content in a new school with new administration.
“All of the administrators and teachers have been really great, welcoming, and helpful. In my corporate job, the concept of belonging was just not found there, so I really enjoy the environment and working at Oviedo. I wanted to do everything possible to stay here.”
Alum to a rival school, Lake Howell, and having no permanent teaching experience from other schools, their time here has made for a fresh perspective. Yet, this transition to the other side of the desk and the daily challenges it includes came to be Jones’ favorite part of the day.
“Teaching and grading aside, having a conversation with 170 teenagers keeps me young, and fun, and my day very interesting. I never know what sort of challenge is going to come my way or what sort of mood swings you guys are in.”
This relationship highlights Jones’ character as a teacher, making her stand out despite her short time at Oviedo. Their adaptability to different class environments and values of connection and communication proved impactful, having won “Chillest Teacher” for last year’s Teacher Appreciation awards.
“I’ve felt very welcome at Oviedo in the short time that I’ve been here, it feels like I’ve been here for much longer. It hasn’t even been a full year yet, but I love it and I want to stay as long as I can.”
