Dr. Irving C. Jones, Sr., a native son of New York City’s South Bronx, has spent thirty years in public education. 

Dr. Jones received his Bachelors of Arts Degree from William Penn College, Masters of Education Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Virginia, and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Moving through the ranks from an English teacher to a high school principal, Dr. Jones has initiated a variety of mentorship programs for both students and teachers, and developed partnerships between private industries, community colleges, Universities and high schools.  Dr. Jones has been recognized as a national leader on topics of educational leadership. 

Over the last twenty-one years, Dr. Jones has presented at International, National, State and Local conferences on topics including:  minority student achievement, dropout prevention, interdisciplinary instruction in the secondary school, supervision of instruction, teaching strategies that engage active learning, career pathways, creating collaborative teaching and learning environments in schools, students transitioning from alternative placements, the transition of 9th graders into high school and leadership in an age of accountability.  Dr. Jones currently serves as the Executive Director for High Schools in the Roanoke City Public School division in Roanoke, Virginia.

Dr. Jones is very active singing in his church choir.  He formerly served on the African-American Teaching Fellows Board, the Martha Jefferson Hospital Leadership Board, the Thomas Jefferson Area United Way Board, and on the Court Appointed Special Advocate Board for Juvenile Offenders.  Dr. Jones was selected as the 2002 Outstanding High School Principal for Virginia.  In October of 2002 Dr. Jones was named the 2003 NASSP/MetLife National Principal of the Year.  Additionally, for his dedication to education in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in 2003 he was awarded The Virginia Lottery’s Excellence in Education Award.  His hobbies include martial arts, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles and swimming.  He is married to his high school sweetheart Jeannette and they have one son, Irving, Jr.

back to Festival Schedule