Judy Hemphill reflected on the impact Pine Bluff Junior High teacher Kendria Jones made on her son during his three years in the school district after moving from Milwaukee.
“I think Mrs. Jones is an exceptional teacher,” Hemphill said. “She didn’t know it, but I was watching her. She told me she treats my child like they are her own children.
Hemphill said she had some concerns about her son’s well-being in the district, but Jones made him feel comfortable.
“Mrs. Jones is the epitome of the song, ‘I Believe the Children Are Our Future,'” Hemphill said, referencing Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” from 1985. “If she’s teaching you to have confidence in yourself … I think we’ll be OK. Mrs. Jones, I love you.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Hemphill showed that love for Jones when she successfully nominated the English/language arts teacher at the PBJH Ninth Grade Academy as one of Rack Room Shoes’ Teachers of the Year.
Out of 388 people nominated, Jones was one of five teachers each chosen to receive a $10,000 technology grant for their school and a personal $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card. Kevin Collins, a Rack Room Shoes district manager, was on hand to present the display check and gift card to Jones in front of a packed cafeteria Monday morning. (The nearest Rack Room Stores to Pine Bluff are in Little Rock and Benton.)
Jones said she learned about the honor in late March.
“I went home and I saw the words [Hemphill] gave me, and I was just amazed that one parent saw that in me as far as teaching their child,” Jones said. “The biggest thing I do is that I don’t treat any kid the same. I’m a teacher who believes that, in order for us to be successful in teaching our kids anything, you have to start by finding out what makes them thrive. No child learns the same, so for me — and I say this with any teacher — you have to build a relationship with your students, in order for you to be a good educator at any time.”
PBSD Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree told the students their positive attitude reflects the type of teacher Jones is.
“This money is for you,” Barbaree said about the $10,000 grant. “This money is because of you.”
Kendria Jones, an English language arts instructor at Pine Bluff Junior High Ninth Grade Academy, embraces Judy Hemphill, whose son is one of Jones’ students, after Hemphill spoke about the impact Jones made on him. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)