Our Namesake

Mr. Jeffers’ vision for Jay W. Jeffers Elementary School:

• Make “why” an important word in their vocabulary.
• Develop curiosity and make learning an exciting experience.
• Develop an appreciation of the earth.

Contributions:

Mr. Jay Jeffers is an educator in the purest sense of the word. His professional career encompassed 30 years as a teacher and principal of Las Vegas and Clark County, prior to his retirement in September, 1977. Mr. Jeffers started teaching at the Fifth Street School in 1947 following his graduation from the University of Utah. He earned his Masters degree at Utah in 1953. During this time, he participated in consolidating 13 individual school districts within Clark County to one unified Clark County School District. He was appointed principal at the Washington School (North Las Vegas) in 1953 and opened the new Twin Lakes Elementary School as principal in 1955. Mr. Jeffers became principal of the John S. Park ES in 1963, at a time when large numbers of Hispanic pupils were moving to Las Vegas. He helped to establish a special “English as a Second Language” program that has continued to grow and serve the non-English speaking pupils of the District. His philosophy was that the students needed to develop and /or maintain proficiency in basic reading and writing skills, along with learning to speak English. His final assignment was at Lincoln ES in North Las Vegas.

Accomplishments:

• Mr. Jeffers was a co-founder and charter member of the Clark County Teachers Federal Credit Union and served as a member of the Board of Directors, President of the Board of Directors, and for 10 years as a member of the credit committee.
• When the need for post-secondary education was recognized, Mr. Jeffers was one of the four original instructors as UNLV and founded the Geology Department. He was part-time instructor at UNLV in geology and geography from 1953 to 1971.
• For 23 years Mr. Jeffers worked in the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Master, Scoutmaster, District Training Staff, Merit Badge Counselor and Wood Badge. He has received the Scouter’s Key and Scouter’s Training Award.