Lifestyle

Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast

“Being an educator is a lifestyle.”

Tierra Jones

Classroom Teacher (Spanish, World History), Paraprofessional

“I get those kids because I was that kid.”

Ms. Tierra Jones, a classroom teacher and paraprofessional, emphasizes the significance of representation in education, recognizing her own journey from a skeptical student to a dedicated educator. With quotes like "I am a teacher" and "State of Emergency," she highlights the urgency of addressing challenges within the education system. Despite facing personal struggles and doubts about schooling, Ms. Jones has found purpose and confidence in her role as an educator, striving to create safe and supportive environments where all students can thrive. She navigates the complexities of balancing her roles as an educator and a mother, recognizing the cyclical nature of the school year and the need to prioritize human connection over corporate agendas. In the face of societal challenges and the devaluation of education, she remains steadfast in her belief that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through her experiences and memories, she underscores the transformative nature of teaching as more than just a profession but a way of life. As an empath, she harkens to the day where educators were allowed to be extended members of their students' families. She discusses the emotional and mental cost involved with this work, and she emphasizes wellness and self care, and staying in touch with the human side of education.