Jana Jones honored as 2009 Educator of the Year

The Idaho State University College of Education has honored Jana Jones of Idaho Falls, former Idaho Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, as the 2009 Outstanding Educator of the Year.

Jones will be honored at the Outstanding Educator and Teacher Appreciation Banquet in Pocatello on April 3.

Jones, an Idaho native, has spent her entire career devoted to the education and well being of children.  She was the Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction with the State Department of Education under Superintendent Marilyn Howard.  She also worked as the Deputy Superintendent, Bureau Chief of Special Education and served as regional special education consultant for the department.

In addition, Jones worked as the administrator for Early Childhood Programs in the Governor’s Office for Children, for Gov. Cecil Andrus. Prior to her work as an administrator, she taught special education in School District #91 in Idaho Falls, worked as a planner for the Infant Toddler Program in Region VII and owned and operated her own early childhood center, which was the first in the state to integrate children with disabilities and be nationally accredited.

Currently, Jones is a vice president of Projects and Programs in the Educational Services Division of MAXIMUS, a complex organization that offers government and industry a range of unique services, products and solutions. MAXIMUS has more than 6,000 employees located at more than 280 offices nationwide as well as in Canada and Australia.

Since joining MAXIMUS in February 2007, she has been a Western Regional director providing oversight and management with several school-based Medicaid projects. She has also served MAXIMUS as a project manager overseeing the implementation of a student information system at the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest district in the country.

Jones holds a bachelor and a master’s degree from Utah State University in special education, and received her education doctorate degree from Idaho State University in educational leadership. She is a certified educator in Idaho, holding the Advanced Exceptional Child Certificate and Administrator Certification for director of special education, principal and superintendent.

Jana has been married to Ross Jones from Burley for 35 years. Together they have three daughters, one grandson and one granddaughter.