Tear Jones

Tear Jones was appointed as Chief of Staff of the American Federation of Teachers in 2021, becoming the union’s first Black woman to serve in the role. Since joining the AFT in 2003, Jones has served in the Office of the President under the leadership of the past three presidents. She oversees the union’s staff and operations and ensures that the mission and strategic priorities are threaded and aligned throughout the union’s programmatic work. 

Jones is a native Washingtonian who grew up with aspirations of becoming an attorney. Pursuing her love of law, she attended George Washington University by way of Mount Vernon College. As her professional career began to evolve, Jones unearthed a passion for workers and human rights that led her to the AFT, as the organization’s mission resonates with her core values. Jones is a regular volunteer at area schools and Calvary Women’s Services, serves as a team manager for an area amateur athletic union (AAU) basketball team and is a member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women. 

Jones is the mother of two beautiful children, Shaun and Morgan.