On Monday, June 14, Debby Jones said “good bye” to her third grade class, capping a 26-year career as a teacher at Boothbay Region Elementary School.

Although she worked as a physical therapist for more than a decade, Jones couldn’t ignore the strong call of the classroom so she became an assistant special education teacher at BRES in 1995, receiving certification in general education in 2001. Interestingly, her husband Mark’s father, James Ervin Jones, served on the board of trustees when the school was built.

“How do you bring the world to them in a positive way?” Jones answered when asked about the challenges of teaching young students. She met that challenge with opportunities to learn from people around the corner and around the world.

Through a program with the Peace Corps, her students were exposed to the cultures of other countries as they shared songs, math problems and even national anthems. The countries included Armenia (“the most fantastic,” according to Jones), Indonesia (which helped students learn about different time zones) and this year’s country – Paraguay. Her students also wrote stories for students in other countries to help them learn to speak English.

Closer to home, Maine Audubon Society’s “Seabird Sue” visited Jones’ class for a lesson about puffins. In 2019, WCSH-TV Channel 6 weatherman Todd Gutner helped them learn about the weather. And the late David Moses Bridges taught Native American culture and history when they visited Damariscotta River Association.

Jones was quick to credit many colleagues who helped her during her long career in education and mentioned two with particular gratitude: Cheyenne Rogers, who was a work/study student; and former BRES principal Mark Tess. Of Tess, Jones said, “He always helped me grow as a teacher, always treated me as a friend and always had my back.”

Michelle Miclette, who teaches sixth grade and has worked with Jones for 20 years, explained what makes Jones an excellent teacher. “She loves it,” Miclette said. “I don’t know if people realize how hard it is to communicate with 8-year-olds but she is passionate about it and that helps the kids internalize the subjects she’s teaching them.”

Jennifer Lassen, fourth grade teacher and a colleague of Jones for seven years, agreed. “She has the most amazing hands-on STEM projects. She really thinks them through and they are so engaging for her students.”

Admittedly a tough teacher at times, Jones would tell students, “I think of you as my own children so I expect more of you.” She and her husband Mark have three daughters – Caroline, Haley and Meryl. The couple lives in Boothbay. 

The decision to retire was made last February, just prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. As for being enthusiastic after so many years, Jones said, “... It was the experiences I knew I could provide them. After a while you have a lot of tools in your toolbox.”

Jones, who is a runner, now looks forward to having more time for her three grandchildren and to train for marathons. She will also come back to BRES occasionally as a substitute teacher.

Asked what her students taught her over the years, Jones was philosophical. “We are all learners forever. Young or old, there’s no end to learning.”