LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Equetta Jones was nominated by Brenda McIntire Johnson, one of her family members. 

"I have known Ms. Jones for her entire life," said McIntire Johnson. "Her commitment to students, educator success, parents, and staff, along with her formidable leadership skills, make her a LifeChanger."

Ms. Jones started as a special needs transportation paraprofessional in Red Clay while working on her teacher's degree.  She was a voluntary homeroom mother in Mr. Jennings' room at Warner Elementary School. After her student-teaching was done, she was offered a full-time position as a fourth grade teacher. While at Warner Elementary, she also taught fifth grade.

As a single parent, Ms. Jones has raised three boys and has been able to obtain her BS, Ed.S, and Ed.D.  Ms. Jones has been a preschool paraprofessional, a teacher at Warner, and an assistant principal at Richy and Highlands Elementary.  She's also on the Delaware Association of School Principals Board.

Ms. Jones has been named Assistant Principal of the Year for two years and was also named Teacher of the Year.  Her areas of service to the community include:

• Delaware Department of Education - Trauma Cadre/Presenter;
• City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation - Dedicated Service to the Youth in City Government;
• Delaware Association of School Administrators;
• National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa;
• Red Clay Consolidated School District - Discipline Committee, Step Up Program, Mentoring for Aspiring Principals program, and several other committees.

Ms. Jones is a willing individual who is always ready to help.  If she finds out about a family in need, that need will be supplied. She has worked with Governor Carney to set up a Basic Needs Closet at Highlands. Education and family are her important issues. At Highlands, she supported Grandparent/Grand Friends Day, Dad's Day, and PEEPS Club (Parents Enpowering Each other on a Personal Level). She also presented about fair discipline with ACLU.

This Christmas, Ms. Jones made sure that each student received a coat, hat, pajamas, books, and food. She has provided housing for displaced children and supported families in need of resources. She loves making crafts for the elderly and masks for the kids. Ms. Jones has facilitated conversations on youth and development for school leaders and pushing trauma-informed decision making.

When any of Ms. Jones' students graduate from middle school, high school, or college, she always attends their ceremonies.  Parents have a way of finding Ms. Jones, no matter where she is. She has truly been an inspiration to the children's lives she has touched.

In June 2021, Ms. Jones took a new position in the Cape Henelope School District and is currently working at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School as an assistant principal. In the short time she has been there, she has already touched lives.

"I could say more about Ms. Equetta Jones. She is truly a gem and a dedicated leader,"  said McIntire Johnson.