Teacher of the Month
The Alabama Public Television Excellence in Education Award is a monthly recognition program for kindergarten through 12th Grade educators across the state of Alabama.
Millbrook Middle School is celebrating one of its own! We recently interviewed Shantorya Patrice Jones, 5th Grade mathematics teacher, and this month's deserving recipient of the $1,000 Teacher of the Month award. Ms. Jones, originally from Ramer, AL, brings ten years of experience and a deep passion for every scholar's potential into her classroom daily.
Ms. Jones shares her motivation behind her journey, the secret to building trust, and how she plans to reinvest her award to create even more "lightbulb moments" for her students.
For Ms. Jones, teaching isn't just a job. It's where her entire being aligns.
"I became a teacher because I believe every child deserves someone who will see their potential, speak to their abilities, and stand in the gap when they cannot advocate for themselves," she shares.
Before inspiring 5th graders, Ms. Jones taught Kindergarten and 6th-8th grade math and science. Across all grade levels, the motivation remains the same: watching her scholars grow—not just academically, but socially and emotionally.
"The lightbulb moments, the breakthroughs after struggle, and the trust they place in me each day remind me that my work matters and that I am shaping futures one classroom moment at a time," she says.
When asked about the essential quality for any educator, Ms. Jones didn't hesitate. "The most important quality a teacher should possess is authentic care. This kind of care is seen beyond data, test scores, and behavior. It recognizes the WHOLE child."
Ms. Jones embodies this by learning her scholars' individual stories, interests, and struggles, allowing her to teach in ways that feel meaningful and personal. This authentic care is the foundation for the strong relationships she intentionally builds.
- Be Present: "I greet every scholar with a smile and a quick check-in to set the tone for the day."
- Listen: She listens to what scholars are excited about and what is weighing on them.
- Safety First: She creates a safe environment where scholars feel valued, seen, and respected, knowing that when scholars know they matter, they naturally connect and engage.
How does a teacher keep mathematics engaging and exciting? Ms. Jones focuses on making the learning process active, relatable, and relevant.
- She uses hands-on tasks, real-world connections, and inquiry-based activities to involve scholars in the process.
- She integrates technology and scholar-led challenges.
- Crucially, she celebrates progress, not just perfection, to keep confidence high and encourage continuous growth.
To meet the diverse needs of her classroom, she utilizes the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), offering multiple ways to access content and demonstrate understanding through small-group instruction, visual models, and tiered tasks.
Ms. Jones plans to invest her $1,000 Teacher of the Month award directly back into her classroom.
"I plan to purchase updated math manipulatives, interactive learning tools, and materials that support both enrichment and intervention," she states.
Her goal is to create more hands-on math stations and real-world project opportunities. This reinvestment will ensure every scholar has the tools they need to succeed, allowing them to think critically, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of mathematics.
When reflecting on the "Teacher of the Month" recognition, Ms. Jones expressed deep gratitude.
"This recognition means so much because it reflects the dedication, heart, and hard work I pour into my scholars every single day," she says. "It is a reminder that purpose, passion, and consistency matter... Being honored affirms that I am walking in my calling and positively shaping the lives entrusted to me."
Ms. Jones leaves her scholars with a powerful life lesson: "Every scholar’s success story is unique, so never let someone else’s chapter make you doubt your own."
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