SEARCY, Ark. — Harding Academy teacher Craig Jones of Searcy was named Teacher of the Year by the National Christian School Association at the organization’s annual conference in Knoxville, Tenn., March 4.
Dr. Philip Patterson, president of the NCSA, presented the award to Jones in front of 250 Christian school administrators. Harding University President David B. Burks was also in attendance, as well as Harding Academy Superintendent James Simmons and Dr. Ed Higginbotham, retired Harding University professor.
(left to right) Harding Academy Superintendent James Simmons; teacher Craig Jones, recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award; and retired Harding University Professor Ed Higginbotham at the National Christian School Association annual conference.
Jones has worked for more than 30 years at Harding Academy where he teaches music, drama, and Bible classes and also directs the chorus.
Under his direction, the junior and senior high choirs consistently receive Division I ratings at regional and state competitions. His choirs have traveled across the nation and also performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City 10 times.
Jones also received the 2009-10 Outstanding Music Educator Award from the National Federation of State High School Associations earlier this year.
A member of the Arkansas and American Choral Directors Associations, Jones is a 1977 graduate of Harding College. He received a master’s degree in music history from Memphis State University.
For more information about the NCSA, visit www.nationalchristian.org.
