From coaching Girls’ Varsity Basketball, serving as the chairperson for the PE department, organizing the unified PE program, and teaching freshman PE, “Coach Carissa Jones-Fletcher excels at every role she takes on” Elle Chapman. 

Jones-Fletcher has worked at Poway High for 10 years, starting as a PE assistant. She shadowed legendary coach Jay Trousdale, in her earlier years here. “She pushes us to be our best, but allows us to fail as we get better, in fact reminding us that you have to make mistakes too,” freshman Elle Chapman said. 

Unified PE, which Jones-Fletcher also coaches, allows students with intellectual and physical disabilities and their partners to unite together to compete in sports-related events against other schools. The student with a disability is paired with a student without disabilities. “It’s my favorite class, it’s such a fun period,” Jones-Fletcher said. 

Jones-Fletcher positively impacts those surrounding her from teachers to students. Her considerate nature creates an inclusive and easy-going atmosphere making it easy for students to find comfort in her presence. 

Every year, staff nominate candidates for teacher of the year. A committee of staff decides the finalists who are voted on by staff, and finally Principal Richard Nash chooses the winner.  “She is exceptional, very few people can do all she does and still coach after school,” Nash said. 

Coach Jones-Fletcher has proved her dedication to PHS since 2015 and receiving the award will not change how she continuously impacts Poway, ‘My favorite thing (about my job) is I get to interact with all different periods, no day is ever the same nor are the periods,” Jones-Flecher said.