By Jarlenys Chanci Florez and Belen Acevedo
Ashley Jones, the newest teacher at BHS, currently works with 9th and 10th graders in the math department. Jones is a mid-year addition to the BHS faculty and there is a lot to know about her.
Jones has been teaching math for over fifteen years. At the beginning of her career, she taught in smaller K-8 schools in New Haven where there were only around 100 students in the 7th and 8th grade combined. Although she liked teaching at these schools, she decided it was time for a change.
Before coming to Connecticut, Jones grew up in Long Island. She moved to Connecticut when she attended Southern Connecticut State University. This is where she earned her two degrees for teaching within five years. Jones decided to stay in Connecticut after graduating from college while her family moved away to Florida.
She started at BHS in February after Mr. Gravina left to become the athletic director at Sheehan High School in Wallingford.
“I wanted to work at Branford High School because it is a big school,” she said. “I like sports so there is an opportunity for me to coach and I could also join some clubs once I settle in.”
According to Jones, BHS differs from New Haven Schools because there are more fun activities to participate in. Since BHS is a bigger school, it allows for more after school activities. She also said the students are content here which makes her job more enjoyable.
“The students here are happier and more organized,” she said.
Jones has only been here since February and realizes there is a difference between the environment. Not only has she noticed contrast with students but there is a larger math community. She now is able to converse with many other math teachers rather than just one.
Jones also understands how the students may feel about this change, keeping in mind that they are students who are coming from learning with another methodology and rules must adapt in the middle of the year to someone new.
“It is a big change, every time a student has a new teacher they must adapt to their style, different expectations and new rules,” said Alicia Loesche, a math interventionist at BHS.
Loesche said she understands the process of a new teacher but is also super excited about working with Jones.
“Another reason that made me consider BHS as a place to work is the recommendations I received from some of the school’s current teachers,” Jones said.
Jones loves going to the gym and she got to know other current BHS teachers there, including social studies teacher John Albinger, health teacher Jennifer Stackpole, and special education teacher Kayla Evans. They recommended BHS as a place to work and she ultimately took the suggestion.
Although Ms. Jones had many recommendations, it was a big change within students who had to switch teachers.
“She is a great addition to the department, she is very experienced, open minded and the students are very lucky to have her,” Loesche said.
