Kimberly Jones, the English teacher extraordinaire from Chapel Hill High School, has ascended to the pinnacle of recognition in education as the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year. In bestowing this honor upon Jones, the state not only celebrates her individual achievements but also acknowledges her profound impact on the educational landscape.
Jones’s journey to becoming the 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year is a testament to her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusivity and academic excellence. Hailing from a single-parent, rural, working-class background, Jones understands firsthand the transformative power of education. In her acceptance speech, she remarked, “As an African American woman, I know firsthand the transformative power of education and the impact of hardworking educators to change lives.”
She was selected from a pool of nine finalists representing North Carolina’s eight education districts and charter schools, a testament to her exceptionalism within a field of outstanding educators. The rigorous selection process, overseen by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, underscores the significance of Jones’s achievement.
Throughout her 17 years of teaching in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District, Jones has cultivated a classroom culture rooted in community and respect. Her colleague and close friend, Kimberly Lindekugel, attests to Jones’s exceptional ability to make every student feel seen and heard. “She takes great care in how she presents material and who the students are and making sure that all the students in her room feel seen and heard,” Lindekugel said.
Kimberly Jones’s dedication extends beyond the classroom as she co-coordinates the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at CHHS. AVID, a national program aimed at preparing students for college, reflects Jones’s commitment to empowering her students beyond academic achievement.
Moreover, Jones’s influence extends beyond her immediate community. Her personal platform advocates for increasing diversity in the teaching curriculum and advancing culturally responsive and inclusive education statewide. Joanne McClelland, another English teacher at CHHS, emphasized Jones’s role as a guiding light for every student. “She epitomizes what every teacher in the state of North Carolina should strive to be: a guiding light for every single child that comes through the doors of their classroom,” McClelland said.
As the 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Jones will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition, showcasing North Carolina’s commitment to educational excellence on a national stage. Her dedication to empowering students and improving education underscores the vital role of educators in shaping the future generation.
In honoring Kimberly Jones, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund recognizes not only her individual achievements but also the collective impact of dedicated educators like her. Jones’s journey from her humble beginnings to statewide recognition serves as an inspiration to all, reaffirming the transformative power of education in changing lives and building a brighter future for generations to come.
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