Showing up for students so they know their voices matter. Learn more on Diana Rodriguez's why.
Para By Day, Student By Night: Tenea Jones’ Story
What teacher credential program did you attend?
Grand Canyon University’s Master’s in Secondary Education, right after I graduated from college. It was an online program that allowed me to work as a paraeducator during the day.
What did you study in your undergrad program?
Communications
Where did you go?
University of Washington Tacoma
How long did you teach before moving into administration?
I taught for about 4.5 years, first geometry, then PE, as well as some experience as Dean at an elementary school.
Where did you earn your administrator credential?
Eastern Washington University’s Principal Certificate Program
How did you pay for your your schooling?
A combination of loans, scholarships, and I worked as much as I could — not only as a para. I also coached volleyball, basketball, track, and worked as a sales associate for Nike. Some of my loans were forgiven after I passed the five-year mark of working at a Title 1 school (with a high percentage of kids in low-income families).
What's one thing you love about your job?
Every year, I get a new batch of kids, and I’m always learning something new. They keep me young. They keep me fresh. They keep me accountable. It’s an endlessly fascinating journey.
Alternative routes to teacher certification
The are four types of alternative routes to teacher certification, like the path that Tenea took.
- Route 1: For paraeducators and other district staff with an associate’s degree
- Route 2: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree
- Route 3: For career changers with a bachelor’s degree
- Route 4: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree and a limited certificate
Visit TeachWA.org to learn more about and compare different pathways to becoming an educator.
Questions? Go to our Becoming an Educator tool to connect with an Educator Pathway Navigator who can respond to questions specific to your situation.
Archive
Learn how Glenn Jenkins made the switch from telecommunications engineer to teacher in his early 40s, when he and his wife were about to have their first child.
Learn why Glenn Jenkins made the switch from telecommunications engineer to teacher in his early 40s, when he and his wife were about to have their first child.
Read more about Alex’s pathway from high school teacher academy to paraeducator to certified teacher
Once a student in high school teacher academy, now a mentor. Learn more about Alex Castro-Wilson's why.
Read about Tenea Jones' story on her educational pathway towards becoming an assistant principal at TAF@Saghalie 6-12, Federal Way Public Schools.
Read about how Tenea Jones, Assistant Principal at TAF@Saghalie 6-12, Federal Way Public Schools got a seat at the table, putting youth voices first.
Read about Yazmin Gil's story on how she pursued teaching as a career.
Read about Yazmin Gil's why and how "Bilingualism is an Asset"
Read about Ahmad Tirhi's story in pursuing teaching as a career.
Ahmad Tirhi grew up in Federal Way, the son of immigrants, proud of his Palestinian heritage, fluent in Arabic. He never had any teachers who looked like him until college.