Martha Jones reflects 30 years in Spanish education

Martha Jones, a Colombian-born educator in Gibsonville, North Carolina, is being profiled for a career that spans nearly 30 years across K-12, college, adult, and community education. Her work centers on teaching Spanish through culture, history, and connection while she continues doctoral study and prepares a guide for new teachers.

Why it matters: - Martha Jones’ career shows how language teaching can shape cultural understanding, student confidence, and community support. - Her approach blends Spanish instruction with history, geography, and traditions, which gives students a broader view of the Spanish-speaking world. - Jones is also building a path for future educators through mentoring, volunteer work, and a book for new teachers.

What happened: - Influential Women profiled Martha Jones, an educator in Gibsonville, North Carolina, on September 8, 2026. - Jones has spent approximately 30 years in education. - Jones was born in Colombia and began her career in preschool education before moving to the United States in 1996. - Jones shifted into Spanish education after seeing demand for bilingual educators. - Jones now teaches grades 6 through 8.

The details: - Jones has taught across K-12, college, community education, adult learning, after-school programs, and Saturday programs. - Jones teaches Spanish as more than vocabulary and grammar. - Her lessons connect language with people, places, traditions, geography, and history. - Jones has also trained fellow educators and worked with parents and students through professional development. - Jones has volunteered with non-English-speaking parents to help strengthen communication between families and schools. - Jones has taken part in summer volunteer educational programs in Italy and Spain. - Jones earned two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees, completed in 2011 and 2024. - Jones is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology through a research-based program in Italy. - Jones expects to graduate in December. - Jones is developing a book for new teachers based on her classroom experience.

Between the lines: - Jones’ career reflects a view that education works best when students connect subject matter to real people and lived culture. - Her emphasis on classroom management suggests she sees structure as a foundation for learning, not a substitute for care. - Jones’ focus on listening and emotional support shows how teaching can extend beyond academics, especially for students who need another trusted adult. - Her view of technology is practical: digital tools can help instruction, but human connection still matters. - The profile presents bilingual education as a growing advantage in a global economy, not just a school subject.

What’s next: - Jones plans to keep teaching at the middle and high school levels. - After completing her doctorate, Jones wants to explore online instruction and college-level teaching. - Jones will continue writing, researching, and mentoring as she expands her work beyond the classroom.

The bottom line: - Martha Jones’ story is a reminder that strong language education can build skills, confidence, and cultural understanding at the same time. - More information