Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Jackson.
Mary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started college at Texas A & M University in 1976. When I began, I wasn’t sure about my major. After taking a class where I observed middle school classes, I began to realize one big thing. If you reach a student on a personal level, you can teach them anything.
I then decided being a teacher was what I wanted to do. After student teaching at Westchester HS, I got my first teaching job at Stratford HS. After 40 wonderful, amazing years, I’m still enjoying it. I feel very blessed to have a career that I actually enjoy.
My advice to new teachers is reach to your students, make that connection and you can teach them.
If you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My first year, I taught Social Studies and then was offered a chance to move to the Career Technology Department. Stratford has always been home for me, but there were some tough years. Seven different Principals with their different leadership styles, continuously changing with technology.
Tell us more about the business.
I’m currently teaching all Accounting classes. I’m the Student Council Advisor and Business Professionals of America’s. Advisor. On the first day of class, every year, I have the students fill out an index card. On one side they put their name and birthdate and on the other side, put what they do when school is out. Clubs, organizations, work, etc. during the course of the year. I will attend their function, or go see them at with. If you reach them, you can teach them.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My experiences with school as I was growing up, was to be involved in something you have a passion for. What is your connection to school other than classes. My parents supported our passions and I knew that’s what kids need.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: youraccountingteacher
Image Credit:
Mary Jackson
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