Scott Jones

Scott Jones reflects on how staff in all positions can make a big impact on students

“I did not always get the best grades, but I had people around me that cared and supported me,” said Jones. “ I think this was the most crucial aspect of my education and now I try to pay that forward with the students I teach and athletes I coach.” 

Jones says he felt supported from many sources including teachers, coaches, and his counselor as he moved through the halls, classrooms, and playing fields at Sam Barlow High School (SBHS). 

In addition, he gained valuable skills from classes like wood shop, social studies, and other electives that prepared him for the rigors of college and taught him life skills that he still utilizes.  

After graduating from SBHS, Jones attended Mount Hood Community College through a track and field scholarship and studied education. 

Then he transferred to the University of Oregon where he continued in track and field and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus in law. 

Jones was preparing to attend law school when he earned a paralegal certification that led to him working in juvenile crime for almost a decade while living in Eugene.

He later moved back to Gresham, and worked as a volunteer track and field coach at SBHS. He returned to school in 2012 to pursue a Masters in Education at Corban University. 

In 2013 he became the head track & field coach at SBHS and in 2023 became the head cross country coach.

He began working as a teacher in 2014. He has taught middle school and high social studies, middle school pe/health, high social studies science, and high social studies freshman success. 

Currently, he teaches algebra 1 and geometric reasoning at SBHS and lives in Gresham with his wife Tabitha and son Owen who is in 7th grade.