DeAndre Jones was nominated anonymously.
As the music teacher at Arcadia Park Elementary, Mr. Jones encourages talented students to improve individually on their instruments and work together as a unit in the school drum line. He created the drum line when he arrived at Arcadia Park in 2012 as a way for the music department to stand out. Out of 120+ schools in Dallas ISD, Arcadia Park is one of four schools where the music department features a drum line.
Through the drum line, he can successfully engage and reach various students through leadership, creating unforgettable experiences through performances at school and in the West Dallas community. His students attain a combination of camaraderie and P.R.I.D.E. (practice, respect, inspire, discipline, enthusiasm). By setting this standard, Mr. Jones engages student learning and allows students to perform musically challenging drum cadences in the drum line while representing their campus.
Drum line also encourages students to be leaders throughout the school and perform better in their core subjects (math, reading, and history). Fifth and sixth-grade students serve as "big brothers and sisters" to the chosen fourth-grade students who will be in the drum line the next school year. The older students also teach their younger peers towards the end of the year.
Under his leadership, Mr. Jones' students have performed at the West Dallas Food Bank, the United to Learn organization's "Impact Showcase", the "Go Oak Cliff" Cinco De Mayo parade, the Dallas Bishop Arts Mardi Gras parade, and the Dallas ISD's "Fam Jam" community event. His students also had the pleasure of performing for the Superintendent, Tashara Parker from WFAA Channel 8 News, and all of the Dallas ISD principals in the summer of 2024. One of his former drum line students (originally in the drum line in 2012) had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall after being accepted to Greiner Exploratory for Fine Arts Middle School and Booker T. Washington High School for the Arts, as well.
I’ve had the privilege of working across the hall from Mr. Jones for over 10 years and he is indeed a life changer. Not only does he teach our elementary aged children to read music, play various instruments, sing, etc., he is a positive role model who maintains an excellent rapport with students and staff. Year after year former students come back to visit their favorite teacher. Many of our kids go on to pursue music in middle school, high school, and college. We are one of four elementary school in Dallas ISD with a drumline, and they are outstanding! Every year Mr. Jones’ drumline represents our school all over the city because they are that good.
Deandre Jones is a dedicated and inspiring music educator and all ‘round extraordinary person who is more than deserving of this award.
Mr. Jones is always working to bring out the best in his students. The students enjoy going to his class and really don't want to miss it. He pours into his students on a regular basis and they give him love in return. He is well deserving of this reward and may he continue to bless his students.
DeAndre is an awesome teacher, he loves what he does and he always strives and looks for ways to do better for his students. I cannot think of a better recipient for this award.
Jones does well with all of his students. He makes sure they keep up with their grades in order to participate in drumline. He is a great motivator for all the kids at school; the students just love him and his personality. It’s amazing how he can teach students with no rhythm to develop rhythm. He also plays in places not only on our school campus but all over DFW, and he represents our school exceptionally well. This nomination is truly well deserved.
As one of DeAndre's ex-teachers, I am extremely proud of him for being nominated for this award. Caring and dedicated teachers know that it means going above and beyond the extra mile to educate and inspire our youth. DeAndre is one of those caring and inspiring educators who makes a difference in the lives of those he touches. Hats off!
To the Selection Committee,
It is with great honor and wholehearted conviction that I nominate Mr. Jones for the Life Changer Award. He is far more than an elementary music teacher—he is a mentor, a leader, and a living example of what purpose-driven education looks like.
Mr. Jones consistently demonstrates excellence at the highest level. The discipline, precision, and confidence he instills in his students are truly extraordinary. His elementary drumline performs with a level of focus and execution that could rival many DISD high school programs. That level of performance does not happen by accident—it is built through high expectations, consistency, and unwavering standards.
Beyond music, Mr. Jones shapes character. He teaches responsibility, teamwork, self-discipline, and pride. His students do not just learn how to play—they learn how to lead, how to persevere, and how to carry themselves with confidence and purpose. The seeds he plants extend far beyond the classroom and into the futures of the children he serves.
Mr. Jones is the definition of a consummate professional. His work ethic, integrity, and commitment to students set a standard that inspires colleagues and uplifts the entire school community. Our campus is stronger because of him. Our students are better because of him.
He does not simply teach music—he changes lives. For that reason, Mr. Jones is not only deserving of the Life Changer Award—he embodies its very purpose.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Antwuan Boozer
This is not a shocker! You deserve this! Congratulations!
Jones you are an inspiration! The kids are so blessed!
The most dedicated music teacher!! We love you at AP!
The best music teacher I’ve ever seen!! Always supporting the students in anything they need!
What can't I say about Mr. Jones. He is an inspiration to his students and peers.
3D (Dedicated, Determine,Dependable)
Mr. DeAndre Jones has an incredible way of inspiring students and making them enjoy every note.
Thanks to our music teacher, many students discover talents they didn’t know they had.
My kindergarten class love his class.
Ms .Hernandez
Kindergarten Teacher
Arcadia Park E
Arcadia Park is blessed to have Mr. Jones!!
Mr. Jones is an incredible music teacher who truly makes a difference on our campus. His passion for teaching is obvious in the way he connects with students— they absolutely love learning from him. His work with drumline is outstanding, and he consistently brings out the best in every student he teaches. He is dedicated, inspiring, and absolutely deserving of this recognition.
Mr. Jones is an amazing educator who pours into his students wholeheartedly.
DeAndre Jones Is a blessing at Arcadia Park. I’m so glad the kids get to in take his knowledge and love for music! His passion fills the school and working with him is a joy!
It's evident how much passion Mr. Jones teaches with by how his students show him their admiration and respect. He seems to stay positively engaged beyond their time in his classroom.
Congratulations Mr. Jones for your nomination as a Life Changer. You exemplify what true mentorship is all about! Your dedication and commitment to your school, your students and the community make us all so proud of you! Your family, friends, colleagues know your worth and we support you!
Mr. Jones always goes above and beyond for his students. He is an outstanding teacher. Arcadia Park ES is very lucky to have him.
I am so proud of your accomplishment DeAndre! This is amazing and I couldn't think of a more deserving person to receive this award! I am rooting for you. Thanks for being a community role model and making a lasting impact!
DeAndre,
Congratulations! You have always worked so hard and now you're an awesome mentor to your students! I have enjoyed watching your success and how you are changing young people's lives.
Congratulations on being nominated! I'm happy for you!
Mr. Jones is not just an exceptional educator—he is a walking vision of greatness. Every day, he shows an extraordinary level of commitment, compassion, and purpose in the way he teaches. His passion isn’t something that can be learned from training or textbooks—it’s something he was clearly called to do.
He empowers students not only with knowledge, but with confidence, character, and the belief that they are capable of more than they ever imagined. He teaches with intention, he leads with his heart, and he sees potential in every student who walks into his classroom.
What makes Mr. Jones truly remarkable is the impact he has that goes far beyond academics. He shapes futures. He inspires young minds to dream bigger. There are students who will achieve things in life because he helped them believe they could. That kind of influence isn’t temporary—it’s life-changing.
Mr. Jones is a phenomenal teacher whose greatness is genuinely felt. He is deserving of recognition not only for the work he does, but for the heart, dedication, and purpose he pours into his students every single day.
In every sense of the word—he is extraordinary.
