Meet Lauren Jones

Hometown: Arlington,TX
Major/certification area and anticipated graduation year: Education -ESL EC-6 May 2026

Why did you choose to attend UT Arlington?

- UTA is right around the corner from my house, my mom attended and graduated, and I have grown up in Arlington, passing by the college and admiring it since I was young.

What is your favorite thing about the College of Education at UT Arlington?

- The staff and students are kind, friendly, and always willing to help. The school spirit and determination to succeed and educate young minds is apparent in all the students and professors.

Who is your favorite professor or staff member? Why?

- This is such a hard question to answer! Most of my professors were supportive, kind, and always willing to help or break things down to make sure I understood if there were ever any gaps in knowledge. I always felt like my professors wanted every student to succeed. It was much different than being at a community college where the professors really don’t make connections with the students. All the professors who taught the education courses at UTA made a significant impact in my educational journey.

What class have you enjoyed the most?

- My most enjoyable classes were the LIST classes with Dr. Tice. I met my best friend in that class, and my love for reading& teaching students how to read made the class most enjoyable for me. I also enjoyed the Teaching Diverse Learners class with Dr. Wideline Seraphin and learned so much about how to make my classroom culturally responsive and how to include every student and consider their culture and background. Dr. Meeks-Lloyd's Human Growth and Development class also opened my eyes to the different developmental stages of the students I will be teaching. I enjoyed all of my classes that I took in the EPP and am so thankful for the wonderful professors at UTA.

What activities or hobbies do you participate in outside of class?

- I love to draw, paint, exercise, be my children’s personal chauffeur/chef, watch movies, read books, ride horses, listen to music and catch up with my best friends (when I have extra time).

What are your plans after graduation? When you think about your future career in education, what excites you the most? 

- My plans after graduation are to secure a teaching position with Arlington ISD. I hope to teach 1st or 2nd grade, but I will adapt to any assignment I am blessed with. I am most excited to teach students to read, to see their growth over the academic year, and to make a positive impact in my students’ lives.

What is the one thing you think a prospective Education student needs to know?

- There may be a moment when you rethink your whole decision to be a teacher. It is important that, if you are passionate about teaching, you do not give in to those thoughts. Make a pros and cons list. Think about how far you have come and what a rewarding career it is, to shape young minds and inspire students to be the best they can be. All the hard work, studying, and late nights will be worth it when you walk across the stage and receive your diploma.

Have you overcome any challenges that you feel would help inspire other Education majors?

- You may feel overwhelmed with regular life and school life, but it is so important to never give up and KEEP GOING! In the end, all the stress will be worth it. There are lots of assignments, readings, and due dates, but you CAN do it. Make to-do lists, check off the things you accomplish- even if it’s something small like doing the laundry. The small steps count. You will have to study. ALOT! So be sure to make time for yourself, even if just for 30 minutes doing something you love, then get right back to studying. Take care of yourself so you can finish strong!