Rachael Jones, teacher at Greenbrier Middle School, was recently named the 2024 Promising
Novice Teacher of Mathematics Award by the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Her selection was in part based on the excellent example she sets as a teacher who builds
strong relationships and rapport with students while also holding them accountable and
pushing them to do their best in her math class. Additionally, her ability to instill a growth
mindset with all of her students, especially those with a potentially negative perception of their
abilities in math, also supported the decision for her to receive such an award.
Ms. Jones teaches 7th grade math, including classes created for inclusive practices as well as for
acceleration. Her previous experience as an 8th grade Algebra teacher gives her a unique
perspective on pushing students in accelerated classes to prepare for advanced math courses.
In reviewing learning data, Ms. Jones students overall scored at 147.5% of their projected
growth in math, meaning that those students showed more than a year’s worth of growth
during their time with her. Her impact on students does not just lie in strong achievement or
growth data, as it shows in the fact that students want to be in her class and they want to
succeed in math. Even as a young teacher, she is a leader among her 7th grade team and within
her math team as well.
Ms. Jones recently shared, “I want to help students grow in confidence, love, knowledge, and
compassion so that they can be difference makers in the lives of others. Math is just the means
by which I do that!” Her classroom is full of fun learning hooks, station teaching, challenging
questions, chances for students to re-do assignments until they master important math skills,
and a trusting environment where it is ok to “not know” as long as students are trying.

Beyond her math classroom, Ms. Jones volunteers in the district’s Very Important Panther after
school program. While she is able to support students in the program with their math skills,
more importantly, she serves as a mentor for students facing a variety of challenges.
Committing this time two times a week after school as well as helping organize special VIP
events and projects, evidence Ms. Jones’ focus on the whole child.
The 2024 Promising Novice Teacher of Mathematics Award by the Arkansas Council of Teachers
of Mathematics is a well deserved recognition for Ms. Rachael Jones, and her contribution to
the education profession will undoubtedly continue.