Denisha Jones
Something terrible is happening in education.
My research on teaching and learning has inspired me to search for ways for teachers to stay grounded in their calling to educate young people. Though teachers lack the power to fix education, they can do things to reclaim their motivation, increase student engagement, and create joyful classrooms.
My keynotes inspire educators to reimagine their pedagogy as a tool for centering freedom, liberation, and joy. Instead of giving in to the academic push-down and developmentally overwhelming mandates threatening early childhood education, I encourage teachers to lead with play, focus on authentic development, and promote student agency.
Before you give up on the profession you once loved, I invite you to consider how the freedom to teach leads to children liberated to learn!
I help teachers reclaim their freedom to teach based on what we know about child development so their students can be liberated to learn authentically and with joy!
About Denisha
Denisha Jones is a teacher-educator, researcher, and advocate. She started her career as a kindergarten teacher in 2003 and became a college professor in 2009.
After 21 years in education, she discovered that too many teachers are demotivated, uninspired, and ready to leave the profession they once loved.
Combining her research and desire to help, she took to the stage with the goal of reaching as many people as possible in the field of education.
Today, her talks will inspire teachers to reclaim their passion for education and discover the power of joyful teaching and liberated learning. Her courses will provide the support needed to lead with engaging developmentally appropriate child-driven pedagogies that foster liberation, joy, and thriving.
My Offerings
“Denisha is an essential voice in the early childhood education field. Her passion for equity and racial justice is evident in all she does. Denisha uses research and experience to back up her advocacy. Her scholarly work and speaking engagements focus on how educators can be equipped to engage in anti-bias and anti-racist practices in the classroom, build partnerships with families, and cultivate critical analysis among teaching staff. If you invite her to lead a session, you will witness shifts necessary for effective change.
Makai Kellogg, Early Childhood Educator, Equity & Diversity Coordinator
Testimonials
“I have learned so much from my opportunities to sit in spaces where Denisha shares her knowledge. She has a way of naming the big issues that allow folks to lean in and learn together. Her voice should be at every table, full stop.”
Rixa Evershed, Beginning School and Auxiliary Programs Director at Charles Wright Academy
“I've heard Denisha Jones speak numerous times. Her depth of knowledge, passion, and ability to communicate clearly and succinctly impress me. She knows her audience and finds the best ways to connect with them, using well-chosen anecdotes and stories that reinforce her message.”
Lisa Guisbond, Executive Director, Citizens for Public Schools
“I have had the pleasure of hearing Denisha speak on multiple occasions, and each time, I come away from the experience feeling reinvigorated, grounded, and inspired. She frames information in an easily digestible way and makes clear the relevance of each topic to her audience's professional and personal lives. Any educator, parent, or advocate would benefit from her lectures.”
Zoe Kim, Project Coordinator, Defending the Early Years
Lets Connect
I offer keynotes, workshops, courses, and facilitate communities of practice. Contact me today so we can discuss how I can help your teachers improve their pedagogy, increase student engagement, and reclaim their motivation and joy.
denisha@djonesconsultant.com
(202) 240-8927
