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Sean Jones has spent less than two years adapting his teaching to McLean High School, but his energetic, student-focused approach has already earned him the FCPS Region 2 Outstanding Teacher of the Year award.
Physics teacher Erin Kreeger said Jones makes a concerted effort to connect with students across ability levels and find ways to reach each one.
Jones arrived at McLean last school year after moving from Ono, Japan. During his first year, he taught Physics and Active Physics while learning how to accommodate students’ different learning styles. He experimented with teaching methods to determine which students benefited from hands-on activities and which responded better to information-focused lessons.
This year, Jones continues to teach physics, the subject he studied in college, and has added classes for Multilingual Learners. He considers both subjects highly practical.
“Learning physics not only teaches you how to break things into pieces, but also teaches you about how things move around you,” Jones said.
In Active Physics, Jones now emphasizes conceptual understanding before introducing the mathematics. He said that change has helped students engage more deeply. His other physics courses feature more laboratory work and exercises centered on thinking rather than memorizing basic content.
Students have noticed the difference. Junior Braedan Leech called Jones one of the best teachers he has had, pointing to his frequent demonstrations, engaging classroom presence and willingness to answer questions.
Kreeger said Jones’ enthusiasm is another reason students respond to his lessons. His visible excitement about physics helps persuade students that the subject can be beautiful, useful and fun.
The Outstanding Teacher of the Year selection process begins at the school level, where recommendations and student input help determine McLean’s nominee. Regional nominees then compete against educators from other schools. Region 2 includes McLean, Falls Church and Justice high schools.
After securing the regional award, Jones was set to interview at Fairfax County headquarters as the competition advanced. Successful FCPS candidates may eventually be evaluated at the national level, and Kreeger said McLean staff members have high hopes for Jones.
Jones credited his science department colleagues with helping him adjust to the school and strengthen his instruction.
“Not only have they helped me adapt to McLean, but they have also helped elevate my teaching,” Jones said. “I honestly believe I’m just a very lucky representative of the best department here.”