Steilacoom’s Jones attends education office professionals conference

Jamicka Jones, an ambitious & energetic employee of Steilacoom High School represented her school district and community at the annual Washington Association of Educational Office Professionals (WAEOP) Spring Conference & Institute. Close to 100 educational office professionals from around the state came together in Olympia, WA from April 24-26, 2014 for the yearly conference.

Keynote speakers during the professional development conference were State Superintendent Randy Dorn, Dr. Gene Sharratt who serves on the Washington Student Achievement Council as Executive Director, and the organizations – National President of NAEOP, Cathy Eberle who resides in Brooklyn, NY.  Some of the workshops offered were on improving leadership skills & attitude in the workplace, processing lists and reports utilizing Skyward, adapting to change in the workplace, preparing and awareness of being safe in schools, and the rewards of volunteering.

In addition to participating in the conference as an attendee, Jones also presented one of the workshops titled, “Discover Yourself, Know You Matter.”  This is an interactive workshop that she has developed to help others set goals, realize their full potential in life, and to see how the things that has happened in your life was for a purpose and reason. She helps others to build self-esteem and self-confidence and teaches you how to appreciate the people in your life past, present, and future. Without any pressure or persuasion, she helps prompt her attendees to step out of their comfort zone by sharing with others aloud and also teaching them dance moves.  This workshop was a pleasure and pure joy to present- says Jones.  “Anytime I can be around people to encourage, uplift, motivate, and inspire makes my heart happy.”

The National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP) provides the opportunity for members to enhance their professional competencies through academic programs, conferences, and institutes.  Working towards your Professional Standards Program (PSP) activities enable the members to take progressive steps to their desired professional growth level.  Each certificate is based on requirements in three areas: education, experience, and professional activity. Certified Educational Office Employee ( CEOE ) is the distinction after completion of the Advanced III, Option I or Associate Degree or higher under Option II.  Although Jones is serving her second year in membership, this year she achieved her PSP at the Bachelor Degree, Option II Level and received the distinction of Certified Educational Office Employee.  For continued recognition a member must re-certify every 5 years.

During this year’s conference, the New Board of Directors of WAEOP was installed. At last year’s conference, Jones was nominated to serve as Area 11 Director and after the election was held in the winter, it was unanimously voted and she was elected. Her duties begin officially on May 1^st and will run a 2 year term.  Her primary duties are to be the liaison for any and all Educational Office Professional members of WAEOP working in the Lewis, Pierce, and Thurston Counties.  She will also help promote the organization and find ways to increase membership in her area.

Jones is has been busy with her job as the High School’s Bookkeeper as well as finding time to volunteer within the school district. She has assisted 3 years in a row with Mock Interviews for Family & Consumer Science classes as well as creating a new twist on the Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly this past January.  Because of the work she put into the Assembly, not only planning, but advertising, recruiting student participation for student led reenactments, and organizing speakers; she was selected by the students as Staff Member of the Month for February 2014. Her life goal is to become a nationally known motivational speaker with a special emphasis to youth and young adults.  She loves to remain active in the community and finding ways to better herself and those around her.

In addition to being a member of WAEOP and NAEOP, she is also holds active memberships with the SEA, WEA, and NEA, SHSD Diversity Committee, Steilacoom Kiwanis, City of Lakewood Toastmasters, and the Black Collective of Tacoma. She does find time to spend quality time with her husband and 3 sons.  They love go biking on trails and around Pierce County when the weather allows.

Her next goal/project is the completion and release of her first Motivational Book titled- You Matter, her signature speaking topic.  The published date is set for July 1, 2014.  If you are interested in the book or would like more information please feel free to contact her directly.  She can be reached at 253-882-8702 or mrsjones092000@gmail.com.