This is the thirteenth installment of Q&As with the teachers who have been selected as Teachers of the Year at Limestone County Schools.

Name: Tiffany Jones

School: Blue Springs Elementary School

Grade Level(s) Taught: 4th Grade

Subject(s) Taught: Self-Contained

Degrees, Granting Institutions, Special Certifications and/or Training: 

— Master Degree in Elementary Education

— Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education

— AMSTI Science Trainer Certification Year 1 and Year 2 

How many years have you been in education? 

I have been in education for 19 years.

How many are with Limestone County Schools? 

I have been with Limestone County Schools for all 19 years.

What makes you proud to be an educator? 

What makes me proud to be an educator is the knowledge that I am able to contribute to my students’ lifelong journeys. The pride comes from creating a space where students feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and take risks in their learning. It’s the joy of witnessing their lightbulb moments when everything clicks, seeing their smiles when they achieve something they thought was difficult, and supporting them as they grow in both knowledge and character.  It is about those moments when students teach me something new or when they surprise themselves with what they can achieve. It’s hearing them say, “I did it!” and knowing I played a part in their success. Witnessing the little victories — the first time a student participates without hesitation or when they show kindness to a peer — is a reminder of why I teach.

What has your experience in the education field taught you?  

My experience in the education field has taught me that teaching is as much about building relationships and creating a positive, inclusive environment as it is about delivering lessons. It has shown me the importance of being patient and adaptable — every student learns differently, and what works for one may not work for another. Flexibility and being open to new ideas, strategies, and even feedback from students are essential. I’ve also discovered that teaching is a two-way street: as much as I teach my students, they teach me too. The most unexpected lessons often come from the moments when I least expect it — like when a student shares something personal or an idea I hadn’t considered.  One of the most important things I’ve learned is that small moments can have a big impact. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a shared laugh, or a simple gesture of kindness, these are often the things that students remember the most.

What do you enjoy most about working for Limestone County Schools? 

Limestone County is my home.  I am a Limestone County high school graduate.  I take a great amount of pride in knowing that I am putting back into the very school system that poured so much into me as a child.  This school system, as a whole, uses every means possible to help pave the way for a better future for every child.  Limestone County truly isn’t just a system of schools.  It is a family and one that I am very proud to be a part of. 

How do your students inspire you?  

My students inspire me in so many ways. Their curiosity pushes me to stay excited about teaching, and their ability to keep going, even when things get tough, motivates me to be more patient and creative in my approach. I am constantly amazed by their ability to overcome challenges, and their energy and optimism inspire me to keep striving to create a classroom where they can thrive. Their diverse ideas and perspectives remind me how much there is to learn from each of them. Their enthusiasm for learning, their willingness to ask questions, and the way they support one another in their growth motivate me to be the best educator I can be. 

What are your hobbies? 

I enjoy spending time with my family and playing with my granddaughter, Hazel, watching movies, reading, cuddling with my dog, and working with my plants. 

What is your favorite quote?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  — Maya Angelou

The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program honors and recognizes excellence in the teaching profession by identifying outstanding classroom teachers at local, district and state levels. The Teacher of the Year Program is open to any public school classroom teacher, librarian, counselor or other certified individuals in a K-12 setting.

The Limestone County Schools System honored each Teacher of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held on Monday, Dec. 2. The Limestone County Schools District-Level Elementary (K-6) and Secondary (7-12) Teacher of the Year, along with the Educational Support Person of the Year, was announced at the special event. These teachers will then represent Limestone County Schools in the Alabama Teacher of the Year state competition.