Meet Tess Jones, who was one of the first Lower School teachers, later became Head of Lower School, and is now Associate Head of School. This year, she's enjoying the challenge of establishing the Study Skills class for 6th graders.
I was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and I currently live in Blue Ridge, Virginia. I have been married 35 years, and we have 2 children: Connor 28, Kerith 25, Son-in-law Paul, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Regan. We also have four pets: Two dogs, Leo and Lucy, and two cats, Toothless and A.T.
We initially were introduced to Faith Christian School by Bill Roller and Kathy Roberson, our first board chair. Our desire was for our children to attend the school beginning with our children’s 4th grade and 1st grade year. My husband Steve and I were attracted to the strong academics as well as the Christian focus. As an educator, I was intrigued by the classical approach that the school emphasized.
While looking into the school for our children, Diane Kelly, the first Head of Lower School also began speaking with me about joining the school as a third-grade teacher. I was blessed to be one of the initial teachers for the first year of the Grammar School which opened for the 2004-05 school year. In 2009, I became Head of Lower School where I served until December of 2017. In 2018, I became the Associate Head of School. This school year, I have the privilege of teaching a Study Skills class to the sixth graders!
What post-secondary schools did you attend? Degrees held?
Virginia Tech – BS in Education JK-8
Regent University – Masters in Educational Leadership
Have you taught or been involved in schools somewhere else prior to FCS? If so, where, and how long?
Callaway Elementary-Franklin County - 3 years, Hurt Park Elementary-Roanoke City - 1 year, Westside Elementary-Roanoke City - 2 years, Lee M. Waid- Franklin County - 1 year, Mineral Springs Christian - 3 years
Reading, walking, listening to music, traveling, and gardening.
What or who inspired you to work in education?
Mrs. Darden, my second-grade teacher, inspired me to be a teacher.
What do you find most compelling or distinct about Christian classical education?
The intentionality of providing students the skills to become lifelong learners and the transformative nature of Classical Christian Education (CCE) for students, parents, and teachers.
What do you love about the idea of teaching at Faith Christian School or what do you anticipate appreciating most about Faith Christian School?
I most appreciate the singular focus to walk out our mission as a Christian, classical school and to share the love of Christ in all we do.
What's a favorite book you've read?
Where the Red Fern Grows – Wilson Rawls
A Blossom in the Desert – Lillias Trotter
If you have a "life verse" or a verse that is ministering to you right now, what might it be?
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21:
