Math Mastery and Mindset
For KIPP DC WILL Academy 6th grade Math teacher, Cherelle Jones, education has always been about service. Ms. Jones joined the KIPP DC community halfway through the 2024-2025 school year after several years of teaching at KIPP Texas. From the start, she knew this was where she was meant to be.
A Howard University graduate, Ms. Jones was certain she’d become a lawyer. She vividly remembers being in 8th grade when Trayvon Martin was killed and chose to major in political science, determined to become a prosecutor. “That was where my passion was. I’ve always known I wanted to help people. And that sounds so cliche, but I’ve always known that that’s what I wanted to do. I just didn’t know exactly who those people were that I wanted to help.” Through mentoring with Girls Inc. DC and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, her purpose began to sharpen.
Post graduation, Ms. Jones joined Teach for America and moved to Houston at the start of the pandemic. She spent three years teaching at KIPP Texas, where she says “I loved learning to be a teacher. It just felt really right… and that just affirmed where I was supposed to be.” Strong leadership helped shape her identity in the classroom, but Ms. Jones felt called back to Washington D.C., specifically to serve Black students in the city.
“Things just fell into line so perfectly,” she says about joining KIPP DC. “KIPP DC has really mirrored my experience with KIPP Texas. We have very strong leadership who make me feel that I’m not just heard, but I’m listened to.” At KIPP DC WILL Academy, Ms. Jones feels a culture that is both authentic and grounding. She describes feeling supported by colleagues who care about her as “Cherelle before Ms. Jones.” In a profession that can feel heavy, she appreciates being part of a team that faces challenges boldly and jointly.
In her classroom, students know exactly what to do when they walk in and how to hold each other accountable. “My class is very predictable, and I believe that it just really allows them to own [their responsibilities].” She frequently asks, ‘do y’all need anything?’ as a way to build students’ confidence and self-advocacy skills. “I am really trying to get kids used to and flexing the muscles of advocating for themselves and asking because closed mouths don’t get fed.”
Ms. Jones understands that by sixth grade, students often believe they are either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at math. She works to undo that mindset, keeping it simple and direct: “It’s math – and it can’t whoop you.” Students in her class are allowed to struggle. “I’m not looking for perfection. I’m just looking for progress – effort and then progress.” Her students are resilient, she explains. When navigating challenging concepts or personal conflicts “they’re willing to figure it out.” This reminds her that what she’s teaching goes far beyond math.
Outside of school, Ms. Jones is intentional about living fully. She plays tennis, takes dance class, and protects her personal time. Creating this balance allows her to show up to school energized each day. Looking ahead, she remains open. Holding a master’s degree in Education Leadership and Policy from American University she knows education is where she will continue to serve.
For those considering joining KIPP DC, her advice is honest: “Make sure you want to do it.” The work is rewarding, but it isn’t easy. “Make sure your head and your heart are in the right place.” For Ms. Jones, they are. Each day, students in her class rise to meet the bar she sets, knowing that in her classroom, she’s there to support every step of the way.
See photos from our visit to Ms. Jones’ classroom.
