About me
I am Shania Jones, a proud third-grade teacher at Charles Evans Hughes Elementary School in Chicago Public Schools. I began my journey in education as a Special Education Classroom Assistant, where I spent five years deeply immersed in supporting students with diverse needs, and those years shaped my belief that every child deserves not only access to rigorous academics but also a strong sense of identity, belonging, and joy in the classroom. After earning a degree in Elementary Education, I transitioned into my current teaching role. I am now in graduate school, pursuing a degree in Reading Education with a Reading Teacher Endorsement at National Louis University. At Hughes, my classroom is guided by the theme “Our Roots Run Deep,” reflecting my mission to help students grow academically and emotionally while staying grounded in their unique identities. I am passionate about literacy, equity, and culturally responsive teaching practices that honor every student’s background and voice. My work blends high expectations with authentic community-building so that students see themselves as learners and leaders. What Should People Talk to Me About?Literacy Instruction & Student Engagement: Creative ways to integrate reading and writing across the curriculum, including poetry, Reading Cafés, and inquiry-based projects.Classroom Management That Builds Community: How I use my MyClassroom Bloom system and a House System to embed routines and behavior expectations without losing joy and connection.Equity & Culturally Responsive Practices: Strategies that validate and celebrate student identities while driving academic growth.First-Week Routines & Procedures: Building a strong classroom family from day one with consistent structures, intentional relationship-building, and routines that stick.Technology Integration: Leveraging design tools to elevate lessons, student projects, and school branding.Classroom Culture & Climate
I believe in building classrooms where students feel safe to take risks, celebrate each other’s differences, and grow together. In my room, you’ll find affirmations on the walls, student-led jobs and systems, and learning experiences designed to make students curious and confident. My approach to teaching is grounded in relationships first — because when students feel seen and valued, they excel.
Let’s connect about literacy, culturally responsive teaching, and building systems that truly empower students. Whether you’re curious about embedding equity in everyday lessons, designing engaging classroom routines, or simply sharing ideas about how to help students fall in love with learning, I’d love to talk. Together, we can create academic and personal spaces where every student thrives.
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