Felicia Jackson

Background

About Felicia Jackson

Teaching is my passion! My 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, was my favorite teacher. She wasn’t a teacher of mandated curriculum standards but a teacher of principle. Her kindness made me feel welcomed and cared for, and she always treated me with respect despite our differences. She made me feel smart even when I struggled to understand, saw greatness in me, and inspired me to want to become an even better version of myself. As an educator, I emulate her example by building my students’ confidence and empowering them to be all they can be. I model integrity, empathy, kindness, and respect, and listen not only with my ears but with my eyes and my heart. By cultivating a spirit of tolerance, I prepare children to live together in our diverse world while reminding them that who they are on the inside and out is far more important than what they might never become. After all, one’s value should not be based on appearances, test scores, and/or unattained abilities. Our nation has lost its way in regard to what public education is and what it should be. And those who struggle to keep up are being left behind because of pressures from high-stakes testing. I wrote Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid: Memoir of a Teacher to chronicle my career from my beginnings, when teachers weren’t being brainwashed to drink the Kool-Aid of conformity and toxicity and children weren't mere statistics, to the turbulent times I would suffer as an advocate for justice in a changing profession. I had to face Judases and Goliaths and be cast into dark pits, fiery furnaces, and lions’ dens so believers could identify with my sufferings. And I had to witness the hardships of other educators, parents, and students so I could be their voice. Throughout the years, I have had numerous former students (and parents) reach out to me. They tell me of my impact and reminisce about the good times e.g. playing the germ game to show how quickly germs spread, burying “CAN’T” to believe in oneself, dancing for school talent shows, dissecting animals and appliances, overcoming fears, celebrating diversity through in-depth factual studies, rich conversation, and “Taste of Culture” fests, sharing tears of joy and sadness, etc. And my students' fond memories never have anything to do with the tested curriculum standards that are emphasized in education today. My daughters never had a favorite teacher, but now that I'm a Mimi, I want to do all I can to deliver a lifeline of hope for future generations. I would love to hear from you. You can also contact me at cjwriter1960@gmail.com.