Now Jones is being recognized for his commitment as one of six recipients of the 2004 Goldin Foundation Excellence in Education Award.

He was nominated for the award by his Del Mar High School colleague Fred Granger, Principal Jim Russell and Vice Principal Nancy Pinkel.

"I absolutely admire him," says Granger, who has known Jones for more than 30 years. "He almost effortlessly commands the respect and affection of students and colleagues. Charisma is an often-abused word, but in his case it is completely fitting. He teaches by example and is an inspiration to all of us. I regret that my two sons did not have a chance to have him as their teacher."

In addition to his recent accolade, Jones has been honored several times as Teacher of the Year and has had the Del Mar High School yearbook and a Ph.D. thesis on astrophysics dedicated to him.

"He puts in incredibly long hours," Pinkel says. "He is available before school, at lunch and after school because he wants to make sure any student who needs extra help or guidance can get it."

Jones earned his bachelor's degree in biology at San José State University in 1974. He says he always wanted to pursue work related to science and considered becoming a wildlife biologist. Yet it was his need to help pay his way through college that led him into teaching.

While working with children at the San Jose Recreation Department, Jones found he enjoyed helping youth. That's when he decided on a teaching career. Jones retooled his biology-based skills and made the transition to teaching physics. He spent the first year of his career at Blackford High School, before moving to Del Mar.

"The most significant thing Ray has done is restructure the science department at the school and create a practical approach to the physics curriculum that is not reliant on higher-level math," Pinkel says. "At most high schools, there is a small number of elite students who have the opportunity to take physics classes. With the restructuring, all sophomore students have a chance to experience physics. Once a student discovers they can master the principles of physics and are interested in it, it becomes a gateway course to higher science. It's a real confidence builder."

Because of Jones, Del Mar enjoys the largest physics enrollment of any school in Santa Clara County.

Jones is an active participant in the District Mentoring Project and has mentored six teachers in physics and/or physical sciences. In addition, he has been a member of the Teacher Institute of Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and a member of the Exploratorium Teacher Institute for the past 10 years.

"Ray is among the top 10 teachers I have known in my career of 36 years," Granger says. "It has been an unalloyed pleasure to have him as a colleague. In my opinion, he is worthy of it in every respect as a candidate for this award."

The Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1990 to recognize the "unsung heroes" in education for their excellence, expertise and demonstrable achievement in education.