Radnor Guidance Counselor Receives Excellence in Teaching Award

Ithan Elementary School guidance counselor Claire Jones was recently named a recipient of the Delaware County Excellence in Teaching Award. She will be recognized at the annual Partners in Education celebration at the Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center on April 30.

“Mrs. Jones is the epitome of an excellent teacher,” wrote IES principal Tronya Boylan in her nomination letter. “She does it all. And does it all very well.”

Since joining IES in 2003, Jones has helped guide the school’s CARES committee to create many opportunities that teach students the importance of cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy and self-control.

This includes Ithan NESTS, a school-wide program that allows students to meet regularly in mentor groups and participate in different activities that promote the importance of working together in positive ways. Jones is also the head of the Student Referral Team and spearheads IES’ school-wide community service initiatives.

”Our students are very lucky to have a kind and caring guidance counselor who works patiently and diligently throughout the summer and school year,” Boylan wrote. “Her patience, kindness and teaching skills have benefited hundreds of children, teachers and families.”

Sponsored by the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, the Delaware County Excellence in Teaching Award is given to 19 teachers in various school districts and three private schools who demonstrate dedication, innovation and motivation in the classroom.

As a recipient, Jones will receive a commemorative keepsake, a $500 cash award and $1,000 to benefit IES.