Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept-Oct 2018

49 www.VoteBestOfMP.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ClemsonCarolinaTickets.com feature She got her start as a third grade teacher at Belle Hall Elementary School, where she worked for six years and was named the 1997- 98 Teacher of the Year. It was challenging but nevertheless one of her most rewarding years. She said: “Looking back on it, I remember saying to myself years later: ‘If they thought that was good, I am so much better now.’” After teaching third grade for 12 more years at Charles Pinckney Elementary, where she had transferred along with her former Belle Hall principal and one of her most important mentors, Kathleen Harris, Jackson began to consider broader ways to support change in education. She worked as a teacher coach at Angel Oak Elementary on Johns Island and Edith L. Frierson on Wadmalaw Island, and again the following year at Jerry Zucker and Frierson. This was followed by a stint as lead teacher at Sullivan’s Island Elementary and, most recently, her role as James B. Edwards’ assistant principal. Jackson said her approach, whether as teacher or administrator, is very similar. “My goal is always to set a standard but give people space to work toward that,” she explained. “And to listen.” Moving forward, one of her goals as Mount Pleasant Academy’s principal is to challenge the children while also making school fun. She noted that the educational system has become so concerned about test scores that “elementary school is a little less fun than when I was in school.” Jackson hopes to collaborate with teachers to change this and achieve a better balance. Another objective is to “really push kids to meet their potential and exceed (it),” added Jackson. “And if we’re doing that, we’re winning.” 50 th Anniversary Serving East of the Cooper Thank You for Voting Us the Best 2 Years in a Row! Family Owned and Operated Since 1968 1725 Highway 17 North | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | (843) 884-6862 | Fax: (843) 884.2827 www.AscuesAutoBody.com • Insurance Claims Accepted • Drop Off And Pick Up • Available Towing • Minor And Major Collision Damage Repair • Dent & Scratch Repairs • Advanced Paint Matching Technology • Certified Technicians • Computerized Color Matching • All Cars Cleaned During Major And Minor Repair