Prior to beginning my studies in the Master in Teaching program at USC, I thought I could already tell you what all of the stakeholders in my community thought their connection to the local high school was. Having taught 11th and 12th grade history for five years, I was sure I knew the teachers’ view, as well as that …
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Billy Jones
I'm originally from Downey, CA, but moved to Mission Viejo, CA in 4th grade, and graduated from Capistrano Valley High School there. I spent five years in the U.S. Navy as a radar air traffic controller and was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ out of Bremerton, WA. I travelled the world and am glad for the experience and pride that comes from having served. I attended Northern Arizona University, where I met my wife, and studied Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. Unsatisfied with the broadcasting industry I went back to school at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where I presently live, to get a degree in Secondary Education and to satisfy all of my teacher certification. I am presently teaching high school US History, AP US History, both for 11th grade and World History to 12th graders at Hennessey High School, in Hennessey, OK. I am the district social studies department chair, and also coach football and baseball. I've been married for over thirteen years to my wife Tonya. We have two daughters, Sofie and Lily, who just celebrated their 5th and 3rd birthdays respectively in the last two weeks. My father was a proud Trojan, and I am satisfying a dream by pursuing my masters degree at the University of Southern California. In addition to being a loyal Trojan fan, I also love the Dodgers, Lakers, and the San Diego Chargers.
Posts by Billy Jones
Membership in the USC Trojan Community
One of the biggest hang-ups I had about online master’s programs in education before the MAT@USC program came along was the idea that I’d spend time and money on an advanced degree without ever gaining a sense of ownership in the university I was attending. Aside from USC’s name recognition, and prestige associated with a degree from such a highly …
You Are Not Alone
While the insight provided by the professors and the coursework thus far has been exceptional, the most personally gratifying experience of getting my master of education has been provided by my peers. The MAT@USC has designed a program that encourages peer communication and support. Because of the diversity of our classmates, and the distance between, the one-on-one and group meetings …
The MAT@USC; Everything you ever wanted in a distance learning program, and much more.
So far the masters in teaching program has been much more than I ever expected it to be. I chose the program because I had been planning to get my Master’s for some time, but wasn’t eager to spend time in a college classroom as I spend my weekdays from August until late May in a high school classroom. The …
Why I’m a Teacher, and a Trojan
I’m often asked what led me to get my masters in education. Oddly enough, most of the time it’s my students who ask the question. They tend to ask that question after the first month or so of school, once they’ve learned more of my background aside from teaching. It’s a good question, especially since everyone who knew me in …
