Dr. Keith Jones, principal at Platte County High School, believes that it’s always a good time to reflect on the history of African Americans, not just during Black History Month. In his opinion, Black history is American history and it’s important for all children to learn and remember the many contributions of Black people throughout history.
Jones is serving his 15th year in education and his first year as a head high school principal. His passion is teaching to the whole child and helping students develop life skills.
He has followed both his parents into the education field.
Both physical education teachers, his mother coached basketball, volleyball and track for 37 years and his father coached basketball, and soccer for 40 years.
Jones initially began coaching basketball at the high school level, which started him thinking about a teaching and coaching career. After earning his bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations at Florida A&M University, he continued volunteering and coaching in schools. He then earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at Pittsburg State University and a doctorate in educational leadership at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan.
Dr. Keith Jones
He has served as principal at Billy Mills Middle School in Lawrence, Kan. and assistant principal at Free State High School in Lawrence. He has also taught high school journalism and English at F.L. Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kan. and worked as an adjunct professor for Baker University teaching curriculum and instruction courses for teachers aspiring to be administrators.
“I am passionate about helping people,” Jones said. “It’s my purpose and mission to work with young people to help them reach their full potential.”
Some of Jones’ most admired African Americans who have made our lives better and should be remembered as Black History Month is celebrated throughout the U.S. are James Baldwin, Lebron James and Debra Lee.
“James Baldwin represents past activists and journalists who were advocates of educating all kids, especially empowering young Black people to take education seriously,” Jones said. “A lot of his writings and pieces were ahead of its time and somewhat reflect what we see today in society. Lebron James is not just a basketball player, he is an athlete that uses his platform to promote education, social justice and puts his dollars to building his community. He invests back into young people to help them have opportunities that he necessarily didn’t have. Debra Lee is the CEO of BET (Black Entertainment Organization). She has done a fantastic job at promoting and producing positive Black images, highlighting Black businesses and sharing the stories of people of color all over the television set in a time when Black voices and stories need to be amplified.”
In his first year as principal at Platte County High School, COVID-19 presented many challenges, but the most rewarding moments in his first year include making sure that students had some normal experiences during the pandemic, such as homecoming, sports and clubs.
He was also determined to slowly, but surely, meet and build relationships with students and staff.
His encouragement and motivation for children to be the best they can be is something his sons, Leonjay Mack, who is 20 years old, and Keith Jr., who is 8 years old have learned from an early age.
“I feel both understand they come from a home of educators, however I am not sure what career they will choose,” Jones said. “The mother of my boys is also an educator, she teaches AP English courses. I try to stay engaged in my boys’ lives and encourage them to give their best at whatever they decide to do.”
For Jones, consistency is the key for all educators to instill positivity and a love of learning into young people, while motivating their students to set high goals and work hard.
“Being engaged and supporting students are a few ways to motivate kids to be successful,” Jones said.
His goals as Platte County High School principal are many, but he will primarily help to support teachers and students reach their highest potential in teaching and learning; helping support the major developments to provide the best facilities and opportunities for students; provide real-world experiences that will help students compete in the global world we live in; and be an advocate for all kids and connect community and business partners to the classroom.