Cc Teacher Highlight: Dominique Jones

Cc Teacher Highlights are where we introduce you to the innovative teachers across the country who are using Cc to take the busy work out of lesson planning.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am about to complete my first year teaching in my own classroom! I am a fourth grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. Twelve years prior to this I received my BS in Film and Television from Boston University. After residing in California for ten years, I didn’t know I would be here in Baltimore City teaching students how to love words and how to communicate in this world. Every morning I wake up not knowing quite sure what to expect for the school day. Everyday is a new adventure of learning with my students. I hope that I am able to bring them some kind of joy.

What is one thing you wish your students knew about you?

I see that my students are already learning that I love to have fun. When I was their age I truly enjoyed learning and attending school. The more I gained from interacting with others and from listening in class, the more I was able to create my own ideas and to articulate my own thoughts. Some of my students are experiencing hardships and I wish they all could experience the sense of hope and anticipation I have felt everyday of my life. We all go through things, but somehow, when we are at school, we begin to see that there is a light that is formed when we all come together and learn from one another. I wish they knew that I am truly there for them.

What is the one teacher tool or resource you can’t live without?

Besides my morning ice tea with almond milk and freshly baked flatbread, I don’t think I could be as creative and organized without the Common Curriculum planning site. Every minute counts for me. My days are busy, even outside the classroom. So, with a site that offers real-time updating for lesson plans and a view of my plans for the week or even the entire month, I can make split minute decisions. Even quick schedule changes are easy to accommodate with the site, as I am able to bump unused portions of my lessons to the next day.

Common Curriculum has allowed me to be more critical of my modeling and rigorous teaching as a first year instructor.

How has Cc improved your teaching practice?

As far as my teaching practice, Common Curriculum has allowed me to be more critical of my modeling and rigorous teaching as a first year instructor. The template is easy to read and to use for planning. Once I have outlined my lessons, I can quickly see where I need to adjust my plan; where I may need to expand on a certain portion of the “learn” or where I can “chunk” my instruction more. I can quickly scan through the day to see if my plan makes sense as it relates to the next day’s lesson or even as it fits in with the activities for the day.

What is one cool thing you’re working on outside the classroom?

I am also a baker! Well… I enjoy speaking and teaching others about healthy, decadent foods and desserts. Yes, it can be done! I started my business, La Verdadera Amistad (@laverdaderaamistadbakery on IG), in 2014, while residing in California. I recently relocated to the East Coast less than two years ago. So, now I am researching how to expand the business here. My students are often curious about my baked goods… of course! As rewards for good performance and behavior, I have in the past treated them to some of my products. I am looking forward to joining the Farmers Markets here in Maryland, this summer.

When I see my students take what they have learned in class and use it when dealing with their peers, I know that they have truly gained something useful from my instruction.

What has been your proudest or most challenging moment as a teacher?

I love seeing my students resolve their differences. I teach Language Arts which is basically communication. When I see my students take what they have learned in class and use it when dealing with their peers, I know that they have truly gained something useful from my instruction. These students grow so much each year and every experience they have will shape them. I can see how they are hungry to learn how to manage life. When I see more and more that my students are getting to know one another and accept one another, that brings joy to me.

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