*Teacher: Interventionist*
By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee
March 8, 2021
Mr. Jeffrey Jones is an intervention specialist here at Brooklyn High School. He is best known for his ability to help students better understand what they are learning, especially in math. He knows how to have fun while learning but also knows when it is time to get straight down to business. Jones has been an intervention specialist here at Brooklyn since 2009 and continues to greatly-impact the students he works with on a daily basis. Being a great advocate, these are just a few of the many reasons why he was chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight!
Q: Why did you decide to become an intervention specialist?
A: “When I was in school, I struggled throughout my education. Fortunately, I had an excellent support system with family and friends to help push me in a good direction. I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until I was at the Ohio State University when I realized I wanted to be an intervention specialist. Ultimately, I wanted to be that support system for students that I had and show them that achieving their goals can be done.”
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: “I always wanted to go to the Ohio State University. I didn’t have the grades and accomplishments to enter my freshman year. The Mansfield branch for OSU was set up similarly to a community college, and I had recognition as a student at Ohio State. I did this for my first few years but ultimately transferred to The University of Akron as the intervention specialist program at Ohio State was highly competitive and only accepted 30 students per year.”
Q: What is your favorite subject to teach?
A: “Math. As I said earlier, I did not do well in math when I was in school. I struggled, and I love being an example for students that even though it seems hard, you can keep trying and get better in it with practice and getting help. I was too immature in high school to realize this, though. I hope students can learn from my mistakes when I was their age. Since I struggled with math, I also feel like it gives me a better understanding of how to connect and teach students who do not love math or feel like they are not good at it.”
Q: What is your life like outside of school? What are some of your hobbies?
A: “Honestly, I have a very simple life outside of school. I have been married for six years to my wife, Jessica; she’s a superhero and high school science teacher. I actually met her at Brooklyn High School in 2010 as she was completing her student teaching for college. We have two sons: Cooper (five- years-old) and Harrison (four-years-old). Most of my time outside is spending it with my family. We walk our chocolate labrador, Darwin, ride bikes, go hiking, and camp. When I’m not doing things with my family, I enjoy golfing, playing video games, exercising, and learning new things (coding, home construction, etc.).”
Q: What is your favorite type of music to listen to and why?
A: “Hip-Hop/Rap. Growing up in the 90s, the hip-hop culture became mainstream. I loved sitting in my room at my stereo, disconnecting in the lyrics with hearing about struggles and how people overcame them. Even though I grew up in the suburbs, my family had to hustle to make a better life. There are many positive lessons (Unfortunately, they get overlooked by other messages.) within the music that you can apply to your life, and I have always loved that aspect of it.”
Q: If you could listen to one musician/singer the rest of your life, who would it be?
A: “This is pretty much impossible to nail down as one musician/singer. I guess Drake just because of his versatility. He’s not even my favorite artist, either.”
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration? Why have they inspired you?
A: “My parents and family have been the biggest inspiration for me. They helped provide the necessary resources and taught me important lessons that helped mold me into the man I am today. I also am very thankful for my friends and colleagues who I have been surrounded by and the positivity they bring.”
Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation in school?
A: “I like to disconnect and be productive. When time passes and the stressful experience is over, at least I made progress with something I want or need to do.”
Q: If you had the opportunity to fly out of the country, where would you go?
A: “Without a doubt, I’m flying to Spain.”
Thank you, Mr. Jones, for spending some time answering these questions. BHS loves having you on board as you are great for students.
By the way, Mr. Holko has an equation for you: Tupac > Drake.
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 