At its meeting last week, the Pulaski County Special School District Board of Education named Maumelle High School teacher Katrina Jones as its first quarter winner of the Inspiration in Education award.

Jones, above, teaches biology and anatomy/physiology. She is also the varsity and freshman cheer coach for the Hornets.

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She was selected from 25 nominees.

“Jones is truly an inspirational teacher, leader, and friend,” said Jessica Wilson, who also teaches at Maumelle High School. “She builds professional relationships with her students and is highly involved within the school. She works incredibly long hours making sure the groups she is involved with have what they need and that they feel supported to succeed.”

Jones has been a teacher for 25 years.

“Seeing the way she leads her students is incredible, and I feel inspired as a younger teacher when I see the work she does,” Wilson said,

The School Board created the Inspiration in Education award to honor certified and support staff members who are inspirational to their students or colleagues at the District.

Tracy Childers, another Maumelle High teacher, submitted the second nomination for Jones. 

“She goes above and beyond to make certain all needs are met. She is not only a great teacher, but a great mentor for our students,” Childers said. “She earned the name ‘Momma Jones’ [because] students know that she is available to them to offer guidance or just a nonjudgmental ear to listen.”

The next Inspiration in Education award will be presented in December, then followed in February and May.