Be consistent. Be firm. Be fair. LOVE YOUR JOB.

This is Alexia Jones’ advice to the District’s new teachers. And it’s pretty good advice from someone who knows a thing or two about being consistent and loving her job - Jones has been a teacher at Melrose High School for 30 years!

One of Jones’ former high school teachers inspired her to become an educator, and she hasn’t looked back since her first day in the classroom.

"My teacher’s genuine concern and kindness for students made me realize that if I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people, teaching was the path," said Jones.

Jones set out on her teaching path during a time when big hair was in style, and Run DMC and Bon Jovi were some of the hottest acts around. Today, pop culture has changed significantly since the 1980s, and so has the field of education. Throughout the years, however, Jones has had no problem staying abreast of new educational standards and best practices.

"A lot of the changes have to do with technology," said Jones. "So it’s a must for today’s teachers to be technology literate," said Jones. "As I adapt to the new era of teaching, I understand that this is the future, and I modify strategies accordingly."

So far, her strategies have worked. Jones has a track record of success when it comes to positively impacting students’ lives through great teaching, and each year, she sets new goals and promises to overcome any challenges.

"I still see it (teaching) as a challenge, but I am determined to be successful regardless, so my students can be successful," said Jones. "In preparing for the upcoming year, all of the successes from the previous year become a part of my best practices, and all of the pitfalls are re-evaluated, modified and discussed among colleagues until goals are met."

While teaching at the same school for 30 years may seem like a mundane job to some, for Jones, it has provided a sense of belonging and inspiration.

"Belonging makes me a part of the community as a whole, such as a familiar structure, business or role model in the neighborhood," said Jones.

And Jones is surely a part of the Melrose and Orange Mound communities. Throughout her 30 years of teaching, she’s often taught the children of some of her former students. And she’s watched other students return to the community and help today’s youth.

"The most rewarding thing for me as a teacher is graduating students," said Jones. "Then, watching those former students return to the community as college graduates and set examples for students from similar backgrounds who say ‘I can’t make it.’ It’s impressive to hear graduates say to the new students ‘Well, I did it and so will you.’"

Jones plans to continue teaching at Melrose so that one day, she can see this generation of students come back to inspire future learners.