Faculty Spotlight: Dave Jones

College/ Degrees: Alfred University, BA Political Science; SUNY Albany, MA Political Science

Years of service at Fryeburg Academy: 33

Subject(s): Social Studies

Other roles at FA: former dean of students, MWV ski team advisor, counselor to students who are looking to play college sports, former baseball coach, football coach, department chair, dorm team member

Fun fact: Mr. Jones’ picture and name were on the Jumbotron at the Olympic Stadium.

Background? Mr. Jones grew up in Niskayuna, New York.  After high school, he did a post-grad year at a boarding school called Northfield Mount Hermon. When he finished grad school, he thought that taking a year or two to teach at a boarding school would give him time to figure out what to do next… and he is still a teacher 42 years later.

What is your favorite class to teach and why? "Freshmen Western Civ. Freshmen come in basically petrified of Mr. Jones, but by April or May I can’t get them to stop talking. The increase in confidence and growth that year brings is fun to witness." 

Memorable moment? "When we won the state championship in football.  It was great to win, of course, but even better was seeing the players’ unadulterated joy, students from all over the world coming together and working towards a shared goal, and enjoying each other's company.  Such moments are what make FA a special place."

How would your students describe you as a teacher? "Loud. Hopefully passionate.  And as one former student said, crazy!"

Is there anything from your experience as a student that has influenced you as a teacher? "I wasn’t a great student. I was pretty average. But!  My grandfather and father instilled in me a love of learning.  I want to create a classroom where students can learn, not just do work, in order to get good grades."  

Advice for students? "You get out of it what you put into it.  Take ownership of your high school career. FA is a remarkable place, but you make your own experience."