Posted on December 9, 2024 by Katelyn Juarez
Fall 2024 Commencement Profile
Maria Jones
The road to the classroom is rarely a straight one, and for Maria Jones, her journey has been filled with twists, turns, and a deep appreciation for the power of education. As a first-generation student, a veteran, and now a bilingual teacher, Jones’s story is a testament to the transformative impact that can come from pursuing a dream.
Jones and her family immigrated to the United States in 1999, which created a culture shock moving from Monterrey, Mexico to the bustling city of San Antonio. Determined to build a better life, Jones joined the Army in 2002, serving as a Sergeant and cargo specialist. “It was a really difficult time, especially when I had to deploy to Iraq twice,” Jones shared. “Being a mom and a soldier at the same time was so challenging. I had to leave my daughter with my parents, and it was heartbreaking.”
After nearly a decade in the military, Jones decided to leave in 2008 to focus on her family. It was then that her path towards teaching began to take shape. “I was always volunteering at my daughter’s school, helping the teachers with whatever they needed,” Jones explained. “The principal kept telling me, ‘You should just work here and get paid for it.’”
Jones took the plunge, becoming a substitute teacher and then a full-time bilingual tutor. “I didn’t expect it, but the teacher just said, ‘I need a bilingual tutor, and I think you’d be perfect for it,’” said Jones.
This experience solidified Jones’s desire to pursue a career in education, and she enrolled at UTSA to earn her master’s degree in Bicultural-Bilingual Education. “I found the program at UTSA, and I was really impressed by the professors,” said Jones. “They have so much experience in teaching, and they really helped me understand the importance of being proud of my culture and language.”
Now in her own Pre-K bilingual classroom at Kallison Elementary, Jones is putting her UTSA education into practice. “I make sure to incorporate Spanish and cultural activities whenever I can,” Jones said. “The kids get so excited when we do things like set up an altar for Día de los Muertos.”
Despite the challenges of managing a Pre-K classroom, Jones finds immense joy in her work. “This is my calling,” Jones said. “I want to inspire my kids, my own children, and the generations that come after me. Education is the key to a better future, and I’m so proud to be a part of that.”
As Jones looks towards graduation, she reflects on the impact her degree will have on her family. “My parents always told me that education would open doors for me,” said Jones. “Now, I want to show my kids and my nieces that they can do it too, no matter where they come from.”
— Katelyn Juarez
