George Jones
May 08, 2020
Written by Craig Schreiner
In WHY I TEACH, George Jones, professor of economics at UW-Whitewater’s Rock County campus since 1992, says he is a better teacher because of his interaction with his students.
A classroom observer can readily see why he is a recipient of the W.P. Roseman Excellence in Teaching Award, the university’s highest accolade. Ideas fly as Jones serves them like tennis balls, darting in front of a whiteboard of equations and pausing to volley questions and responses with students. Jones is a live wire charged with enthusiasm who, on his way to work, might buy a can of beans or any prop students might remember as he teaches them about supply and demand.
“I have benefitted both personally and professionally from the development of novel techniques that were intended for my students. I doubt this would have happened without my interaction with them. This is what I find so endearing, intriguing and gratifying about teaching.” —George Jones
(UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
“Nearly five years ago… I received a copy of an unsolicited letter from one of my students for a teaching award. The student described how a tool I had developed positively transformed her approach to learning economics and learning in general. I was elated knowing that all my years of hard work refining and perfecting this tool was not in vain.” —George Jones
(UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
“When my students succeed, I also succeed. The inspiration behind some of my more effective teaching innovations can be credited to my engagement with students.” —George Jones (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
WHY I TEACH is a series about the dedicated faculty at UW-Whitewater’s two campuses who make every day a teachable moment — and every place a learning place — by their expertise and example.