Cultivating Future Educators: Jones receives state recognition for work at The Career Academy

July 21, 2025

The Career Academy Director Joshua Jones is providing a textbook example of how to help students become future classroom leaders.

Jones was honored for his A-plus leadership skills this spring with the Nebraska Educators Rising Administrator of the Year Award. The group recognizes one person each year who encourages students and teachers with “overwhelming support” for Educators Rising activities. The state organization helps high school students who are interested in pursuing future education careers.

Lincoln Public Schools Director of Secondary Education Jessie Fries said she was proud of Jones for his efforts at TCA. He oversees a joint venture between LPS and Southeast Community College (SCC) that serves hundreds of high school juniors and seniors. Early childhood education and K-12 education are among the 14 career pathways that TCA students can choose to enroll in each year.

“It’s inspiring to see someone like Josh get this kind of state recognition,” Fries said. “Being named the Nebraska Educators Rising Administrator of the Year really shines a light on the incredible talent and leadership we have right here in Lincoln Public Schools!”

Jones said he enjoys watching TCA education students become more confident in the classroom. Educators Rising is an additional way TCA students can learn about the teaching profession. There are also multiple academic courses, field trips and practicum opportunities that take place each year.

“I am obviously passionate about growing our profession, and the TCA education pathway along with Educators Rising does just that,” Jones said. “Specifically with Educators Rising, I love that this organization gives our students an opportunity to connect with each other and others across the state and nation who are passionate about a future career in education. It is so important to create a level of excitement in people about their future career, and Educators Rising does that.”

Jones began his time at LPS as a special education teacher at Southeast High School. He was assistant principal at Elliott Elementary School before becoming a coordinator at TCA in 2017. He moved into a role as TCA’s interim director in 2020, and LPS and SCC hired him as full-time director one year later.

Jame Cartwright teaches early childhood education classes at TCA and leads the school’s Educators Rising chapter. She said Jones has championed Educators Rising members in many ways throughout her time with the group.

“Josh has consistently supported students by providing them with the freedom to brainstorm ideas and helping bring them to fruition,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright said Jones has been instrumental in helping students attend education-based activities such as field trips and conferences at city, state and national venues. He has provided funds for Educators Rising memberships to ensure everyone can participate, and he has enthusiastically hosted education fairs on TCA’s campus. The fairs have given students the chance to meet and learn from award-winning teachers and speakers.

In addition, Jones has made it possible for teenagers of all economic backgrounds to enjoy Educators Rising experiences.

“He has also worked hard to secure scholarships for students facing financial challenges, believing strongly that every student should have the opportunity to engage and grow,” Cartwright said.

Fries said those efforts have made Jones a trusted mentor in TCA’s hallways. She felt he has made a difference for many people because of his respect for others and his willingness to try new ideas.

“What truly makes Josh such a great principal/director at TCA is his incredible blend of strategic thinking, innovation and collaboration with others,” Fries said. “He’s always thinking ahead and is intentional about bringing LPS staff, SCC staff and community partners together. These leadership strengths make him the perfect leader to guide the important work at TCA.”

TCA students have made the most of the support they have received from Jones, Cartwright and other LPS leaders. Sixteen Educators Rising members qualified for this year’s national conference in Orlando. They earned state awards in contests such as lesson planning and delivery, public speaking, researching learning challenges, creative lecture and children’s literature.

TCA also earned a Blue Chapter Award at this year’s state conference. More than 75 percent of the chapter is currently enrolled in an education and training course.

Jones said his favorite part of working at TCA is watching teenagers blossom as they become involved with their future passions and careers. He said activities like Educators Rising are textbook examples of how LPS is helping students learn what is possible as they pursue their dreams.

“I love talking to students and families who either are at TCA or who have graduated and are still connected to their pathway,” Jones said. “To know that we (LPS) are providing these opportunities to students while they are still in high school is unbelievable.”

Interested in learning how to do high school differently? Explore opportunities with The Career Academy at https://home.lps.org/tca/.

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