Renee Jones
Nebraska Teacher of the Year, 2023
Inspire Teacher of the Year, 2019, Lincoln, NE
NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship, 2024,
International field study, Costa Rica
Selected national conference speaker
South by Southwest (SXSW) EDU, 2022, Austin, TX
Innovative Schools Summit, 2023, Las Vegas, NV
Published author of two books
📗 It Was Always Four, September 2021
📕 50 Things to Know About Going Back to School While Parenting, January 2021
11,000+ Twitter followers
Multiple podcast appearances
Trained at the prestigious Seneca Center, San Francisco/Oakland, CA
Renowned 24-hour crisis care treatment model
Emphasis on youth restorative interventions
US Holocaust Memorial Museum Belfer Scholarship recipient, professional development, Washington, D.C.
High Tech High scholarship recipient, professional development, San Diego, CA
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), 2021, Lincoln, NE
Master's in Educational Leadership, Doane University, Lincoln, NE
"Connection before curriculum. Always."
I'm excited to introduce myself as the current Nebraska Teacher of the Year. I'm on a mission to visit schools all across the state of Nebraska.
My goal is to help educators like yourself cultivate stronger connections and trust within your classroom.
That's why I'm thrilled to offer free professional development sessions on this topic. Freely available to all Nebraska schools and universities.
Listed here are my available workshops.
Email me to schedule a session at your school. I can't wait to meet you.
Sincerely,
Renee Jones
LPS Superintendent
Dr. Paul Gausman
".. We are most proud board members .. that the Nebraska teacher of the year is from Lincoln High School .. Mrs. Renee Jones. ..
Lincoln's Public Schools is committed to equity for all students staff and stakeholders.
Mrs. Jones exemplifies an educator who espouses these values and supports all students who enter her classroom each and every day. She expertly has found ways to connect with her students in an effort to boost their academic achievement."
".. Our students in LPS are fortunate to be taught by expert educators like Mrs. Jones. .. Mrs. Jones holds students to the highest learning expectations while fostering an environment for students to discover and explore their passions while affirming their identities."
-- Dr. Paul Gausman, Superintendent, Lincoln Public Schools
".. You are an amazing representative as Nebraska Teacher of the Year. And I want to thank you for being a voice for all teachers in our state, who are struggling right now. "
-- Deb Neary, Nebraska State Board of Education, District 8
Nebraska State Board of Education
Deb Neary
"Your students don’t choose who stands in front of their room everyday. Show up with intention."
-- Renee Jones, Twitter, January 24th, 2022
"I have been in Renee's classroom multiple times and the thing that is obvious from the moment you walk in is her ability to build relationships with students.
Her tone is warm and her demeanor is calm and steady.
She knows each student and uses this knowledge to draw her students into learning."
-- Mark Larson, Principal, Lincoln High School
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Renee Jones, and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
-- Tanner Penrod, Principal, Southeast High School
"Your mindset matters. The way you show up sets the tone for the entire class. Be there on purpose."
-- Renee Jones, Twitter, February 5th, 2022
-- Dr. Rachele Stoops, Curriculum Designer and Educator, Graduation Pathways