At Castle Dale Elementary School in Castle Dale, Carrie Jean Jones teaches science and math concepts to her fourth and fifth graders through hands-on activities involving wires, light bulbs, batteries, blocks and other manipulatives. She takes students on frequent field trips and often creates her own equipment for lessons, such as animal cages and rockets made from plastic soda bottles. Instead of using basal texts, Mrs. Jones uses trade books that match her students' reading levels, an approach that has helped bring below-grade-level students up to or above grade level. She has conducted professional development training on literacy and the integration of hands-on science throughout the curriculum. Mrs. Jones is a 1997 recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and was honored as an outstanding educator by the Utah House of Representatives District 70.
1987 Utah State University, B.S.
