Columbus educator recognized as Remarkable Woman
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — March is International Women’s Month and throughout the month, WRBL is recognizing the great contributions that women have made to our nation and local communities.
One of our finalists is a Columbus woman who has devoted her time to giving back to children in our community. She has worked in education for the past 25 years. While many describe her as remarkable, she says she was born to do this work.
They walk in a student, they walk out a community member.
Sandy Jones, Remarkable Woman nominee
Born and raised in Columbus, Sandy Jones, better known as Ms. Jones, dedicates her life to her students. Jones has spent over 25 years in education, wearing multiple hats including teacher, educational interpreter for the deaf and instructional coach.
She currently works at MLK Elementary as the media specialist. While she’s worked at multiple schools, one thing has remained constant: overcoming the obstacles that come with serving so-called disadvantaged communities.
The work is hard in schools like ours. But that work is being done by people who are so committed, and that builds a bond and a relationship within itself. That’s why I stay at a school like MLK or Dorothy Height or Key Elementary.
Sandy Jones, Remarkable Woman nominee
Jones has been recognized as one of the top 10 teachers of the year in the Muscogee County School District. The award highlights her impact on the community and her inclusive teaching style.
Children should have a mirror to where they see themselves in that learning space, whether it’s with books or the things that would display on walls. They should also have windows where they can see other cultures in other environments and they can learn from that. Eventually, that sliding glass door opens and they can interact with that.
Sandy Jones, Remarkable Woman nominee
Apart from her accolades, one of her greatest accomplishments is when former students approach her in her day-to-day life. A 19-year-old stopped her at the grocery store one day and reminded her of his favorite moment as her student. Something so simple as coloring.
And I said, ‘Coloring?’ And he said ‘Yeah, and you said that people are beautiful brown or peachy.’ And he said, ‘and I saw myself and you had the crayon that matched me. And I said, ‘Well, I did, and I love you and you are beautiful.’ It’s interesting because I taught for the entire year. But the one thing he took away was that I had multicultural crayons.
Sandy Jones, Remarkable Woman nominee
When asked what the Remarkable Woman nomination means to her, Jones describes her reaction as humbled and shocked.
When I woke up and I read your message, I said ‘Surely she has the wrong person.’ I think we don’t often see ourselves in that light as others see us. I’m not even sure that I can put into words the gratitude that I have for that person nominating me.
Sandy Jones, Remarkable Woman nominee
Sandy Jones may not wear a cape, but she uses her super powers to transform students into future leaders… one book at a time.
Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress and quality of life. The winner will be announced in early April.
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