Dennis Jones
Dialectic School Math and Science
Dennis Jones has been a public school teacher
for 35 years in the Bellmawr School District, teaching math, science and
computer literacy before retiring in 2004. He developed a life science program there with a good
Christian friend and fellow teacher. He was responsible during his last ten
years in Bellmawr for setting up computer labs, distance learning centers, and
a web page for the Bellmawr Schools.
Besides chess, Mr. Jones enjoys working with technology and having it
available to enhance student learning.
He believes God has gifted him as a teacher of Math, and he is looking
forward to teaching and learning in a Christian academy.
Mr. Jones says, ÒI became aware of a need for
a math and science teacher when I volunteered to assist Bethel Prep in
developing a chess team for a regional chess competition. Pastor Barber and some parents
encouraged me to consider applying for the position, and also continue working
with the chess program during the 2008-2009 school year. My wife, Beth, and I have purchased a
retirement home in Delaware where I was planning to live permanently starting
in the fall. Obviously, the Lord
has other plans for my life and I believe He called me out of my brief 3-year
retirement to serve Him at Bethel PrepÓ.
Mr. Jones never imagined that coaching the
Bellmawr Chess Team from 1991-2004 would lead him eventually to teaching in a
classical Christian academy. He
was very successful over the years, as his teams won 3 State Championships at
the junior high level and 2 State Championships at the elementary level. He is most encouraged by the impact
chess had on the academic work of his players. His best player in his final year as coach graduated as
valedictorian of the Triton Regional High School.
Dennis Jones has been a Christian since the
age of 5 years, being raised in a devout Christian home and attending Baptist
churches most of his growing years. He has most recently been an active member
of Southwood Baptist Church in Woodbury Heights and Tenth Presbyterian Church
in Philadelphia, where he has been a member of the choir for several years. He
has a Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University, with a focus on piano
and voice and a Master of Arts degree from Rowan University, with a focus on
math and science. He also has a certification as a School Business
Administrator with graduate credits from Rutgers University.