Kenneth Ford

“I always was a math guy. Science answers so many questions kids have about the world and how things work. Then, they begin applying that learning,” said Kenneth Ford, a teacher and math interventionist at Rufus E. Payne Elementary School.

As a child, Ford was diagnosed with leukemia; he missed most of his seventh-grade year due to hospitalization and being homebound. Ford was able to transition back into the classroom successfully due to his eighth-grade English teacher, Ms. Tave, whom he credits for being instrumental in his career pathway choice as well. Ford remembers that she allowed students to free write at the beginning of class, which was a great way for him to work through his thoughts and feelings. His appreciation for this special teacher provided a spark and influenced his choice to pursue teaching.

A Jacksonville native and graduate of William M. Raines High School Ford pursued his undergraduate studies in Information Technology at the University of North Florida. He also obtained his master’s degree in Information Technology at Florida State University.

Ford has three years of teaching experience. He has taught in third and fifth grades and now supports teachers and students in all grade levels as a math interventionist. He enjoys teaching more complex math, science, logic, and reasoning skills at higher grade levels.

Prior to transferring to Rufus E. Payne in the interventionist role, he developed Carter G. Woodson Elementary’s plan for data-driven instruction. He uses positive behavior management through innovation and a student-centered approach which is evidenced in his classroom by use of structure, technology, and hands-on engagement opportunities. “There are different ways of learning and instruction needed to meet different learning styles to make sure you reach every child in the classroom.”

As a teacher, each class begins with Ford detailing why students need to learn the material, including sharing with students how they can use their skills in real-world applications and occupations. He emphasizes that learning through fun is paramount in his classroom, saying, “It’s a better experience overall and students don’t even realize they’re learning.” Ford incorporates movement, collaboration, and accountability into his daily instruction as well, emphasizing that students make each other better leaders when they’re engaged.

These teaching techniques garnered the attention of his colleagues, resulting in Ford being one of five finalists for the 2021 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year. Ford, sponsored by Wells Fargo, was honored as one of only five finalists at the 30th Annual EDDY Awards presented by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund as part of a group of committed educators from Southside Middle School, Mandarin High School, R.L. Brown Gifted and Talented Academy, and Lake Lucina Elementary School.

Not only was the recognition from colleagues inspiring, but Ford shared “After the Teacher of the Year nomination, I got a lot of emails from former students.” However, the most rewarding aspect of education is “when students grow academically as well as human beings–their transformation. We’re building students up. I want to push them to become leaders themselves so when they’re adults, they’re already trained leaders.”

Ford has learned to adapt amid challenging circumstances as a teacher. With half of his career set against the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ford learned to use more technology and investigate new means of reaching and impacting his students. He will continue using some of these proven strategies.

Despite these challenges, Ford offers this advice to anyone considering a career pathway in education. He said, “Do it. Connect with other educators. They’ll help guide you through the process. It will help you adjust quickly. Stay connected with your colleagues to share resources and learn from each other. Stick it out. You’re learning in that first year, but experiences teaches you how to adjust.”