Jackson Public Schools is the third-largest school district in Mississippi, serving nearly 17,000 scholars, representing more than 80 percent of school-aged children in the state's capital and only urban municipality. Jackson, Mississippi has about 170,000 residents in an area of 104 square miles. There are 36 schools, which include 6 high schools, 7 middle schools, 23 elementary schools, along with 5 special program schools. These schools are divided into 6 feeder patterns based on the high school receiving the area's scholars.
Most of the District's administrative offices, including the Superintendent's office and the District's state-of-the-art boardroom, are housed in a two-block complex located at the city's center. Additional facilities in the city house offices for Campus Enforcement, Enrollment Services & Records, Transportation, Athletics, Child Nutrition, and more.
Mission
By developing and implementing support systems, JPS will increase the effectiveness of early career teachers to embrace the mission, vision, and core values, while providing a high-quality, world-class educational for our scholars.
Program Goals
Provide a system of professional support to effectively acculturate new teachers to the school/district community
Accelerate teaching performance in order to incorporate problem solving skills and community/relationship building strategies to support scholar achievement
Assist new teachers with acquiring and implementing a variety of instructional strategies that are designed to meet the needs of all scholars
McWillie Elementary I Pre-K
I want to be the change in education that inspires my scholars to reach their full potential
Pecan Park I 3rd Grade ELA
My passion for learning is something I want to share with my scholars. I am looking forward to teaching children new skills and becoming an important part of their learning process. Over the course of my journey, I have had teachers who have inspired me to overcome challenges and reach my full potential. It is also my goal to make the same impact on my scholars.
Murrah High School I English 4
Teaching and coaching in Jackson Public Schools, the district I attended as a student, has been a lifelong dream. My family, including my grandparents, Johnny & Athenet Cotton, who collectively dedicated over 40 years to teaching and administration in the district, inspired my commitment to our community and scholars. I chose JPS to return to my alma mater, revitalize our historic girls' basketball program, and contribute to transforming the narrative around our school system. My goal is to expose our students to opportunities and success within their own Jackson community.
Spann Elementary
Why teach in JPS? JPS is my hometown, and I'm a product of its great teachers. I want to give back and inspire young scholars, fulfilling my dream and paying it forward. Every child, including those in Jackson, deserves a quality education. I'm excited to be part of this wonderful community.
Murrah High School I Social Studies
My family has been a significant influence on my path to becoming an educator. Immediate family members and family friends have played a role in shaping who I am today. This is why I'm committed to paying it forward and becoming a positive influence on others. My choice to teach in JPS is driven by my desire to impact the local community and set a high standard for our students, helping them become better citizens. My ultimate goal for my scholars is to instill the belief that when they have no inner conflicts, external challenges lose their power. I want them to learn to navigate through life's obstacles, knowing that the journey ahead will take care of itself.
Provine High School
I've held the aspiration to be a teacher since the third grade. Regardless of the district I teach in, my primary goal is to impact children's lives and ensure they understand that they truly matter. I want them to realize that their concerns are confidential and that my door is always open to support their success.
Wingfield High School
I originally became a teacher so that I can coach because I have a passion for basketball and football. My desire is to help all scholars succeed academically, and help prepare them to be successful as adults.
Callaway High School I Math
In first grade, I aspired to be a teacher. My primary school teachers influenced my career choice. In college, I pursued BS Accountancy due to limited job opportunities but later switched to teaching, considering it a calling. To enhance my teaching skills, I pursued further education in the field. As an international teacher, I'm thankful to JPS for the opportunity to help scholars become better versions of themselves.
Raines Elementary I Pre-K
My inspiration to become a teacher stems from my deep love for people. Helping others has always been a source of fulfillment for me. Witnessing my God-mother's dedication to helping others further fueled my desire to make a difference in people's lives.
Northwest IB Middle School I Teacher
Today, finding inspiration can be a challenge, even in teaching. My passion for teaching is driven by my love for children, nurtured from my experiences growing up, where I often cared for my siblings' kids. This instilled responsibility and prepared me for both my own children and my classroom scholars. Teaching in JPS has taught me invaluable values that continue to aid my growth, which I pass on to my scholars for a brighter future. I encourage them to seek, lead by example, and prove their capabilities.
Callaway High School I Teacher
My desire to teach was fueled by my mother and my high school social studies teacher, Mrs. Linda Warren. They displayed patience, love, and compassion that inspired me to impact students similarly. I see teaching as my calling, bestowed by God, to help students and others become their best selves. My gift is motivation and inspiration, and I believe there's no better way to use it than to uplift the young individuals shaping our future.
I chose the Jackson Public School District because it's one of Mississippi's largest and, in my view, one of the best. I previously worked there and cherish the familial atmosphere. I'm particularly passionate about teaching and mentoring students who share my background.
Johnson Elementary I Teacher
My inspiration to teach came from my granddaughter, as I want to support her in her education. I chose JPS because it's in a large city with numerous opportunities to positively impact the youth of Jackson. If I can't be true to my students, then I shouldn't be teaching. My goal is to provide my scholars with a far better education than I received.
Lanier Junior/Senior High School
I want to make a difference in the lives of the scholars that I teach.
Forest Hill High School I Exceptional Ed.
My passion is working with children and making a lifelong positive impact. Becoming an educator allows me to connect with and give back to the youth in my community. Mrs. Fortune, my high school teacher, inspired me with her high standards and belief in me as a scholar. JPS offers great opportunities, and I believe this is where I belong. I expect the best from my students and am committed to providing an excellent learning environment.
Green Elementary I Pre-K
I chose teaching to make a lasting impact on students, inspire a love for learning, and contribute to molding future generations. My five children and five grandchildren motivate me to share my gift. Influential teachers in my past inspired me to become an educator.
I'm proud to be a product of JPS, the largest district in Mississippi, and I chose it for the opportunity to develop and motivate scholars. My goal is to instill a love for learning, encourage perseverance, and drive students to achieve their fullest potential from the start.
Lanier Junior/Senior High School I Teacher
I was inspired to teach because my grandmother is a teacher. It was so fascinating to be able to guide and education young talents. I want my scholars to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. I want to foster a positive relationship and create a safe learning environment .
Bates Elementary I Teacher
My Kindergarten Teacher, Mrs. Williams, inspired my journey into teaching. I chose JPS because my love for teaching transcends location. My hope for my scholars is that they understand failure is not an option and that they have the potential for greatness.
Bates Elementary School I Kindergarten
As an education leader, my goal is to instill lifelong learning, critical thinking, strong work ethics, moral character, global awareness, respect for diversity, and a spirit of service in my students. I believe in being a hands-on teacher and role model to promote these values.
My classroom goals are centered on challenging students to reach their full potential. I prioritize student comfort and believe that the learning environment should be safe and supportive. I support social learning through group work and hands-on experiences, drawing inspiration from Bandura and Vygotsky.
In my classroom, I encourage freedom, expression, and creativity, following the principle of adapting teaching to the way students learn, as Ignacio Estrada suggested.