Tina Kanelos Jones
DIRECTOR
I became a teacher because I love people. Growing up behind the counters of my family’s Phoenix restaurants, my parents showed me that it is a privilege to use your talents for the benefit of others. Because of my parents, I dedicate my life to helping kids find the good in themselves. However, my journey wasn’t a straight line. I started off by earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Journalism from Boston University in 1998. After working in the field of communications, I decided to change my direction. I came home to Arizona to complete a post-baccalaureate program in Education at Arizona State University. Teaching middle school language arts and history at Valley public and private schools has put me in the path of hundreds of students. I have watched them discover the good in themselves through mastering concepts, uncovering confidences and giving back to their community. Motivated to be a better teacher, I earned my M.A. in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University. It was an honor to be recognized by Arizona Foothills Magazine as one of the top five teachers in the state of Arizona. I lead the Focus Tutors team and work with students in the following areas: humanities, reading and writing support, research, organization and time management, general homework support, and study skills.
"With Tina, we get one part tutor and one part muse. She doesn’t just instruct; she inspires."
- Randy M