The Presidential Award means that my hard work has not gone unrecognized. It also causes me to reflect on all of the great teachers, school leaders, and students that have had an impact on me as a professional, as well as a person. No teacher becomes proficient in his or her craft without first being a learner. I have learned from some outstanding educators, many of whom are family members. This award encouraged me to continue to work to provide students with the best education that I can.

Pierre Jackson Memphis, TN | 7-12, Science, 2013

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Pierre Jackson has been an educator for 18 years and has taught middle and high school. For the past four years, he has taught at Middle College High School. During the 2013-2014 school year, he served as an ambassador with the Tennessee State Department of Education where he worked as an instructional coach.   He currently serves as the department head and STEM coordinator, as well as instructor of Biology and Environmental Science to freshmen and seniors at Middle College High. In addition, he also serves as a mentor teacher for the Memphis Teacher Residency Program. Making biology engaging is the greatest joy of his professional career and he uses inquiry labs, virtual labs, article critiques, and student presentations to do so. His passion for the content is matched only by his excitement when he sees students making connection to content and real life experiences. The energy of the students is his driving force. Pierre has presented sessions at the district and state level on using student data to drive instruction, incorporating literacy into science, and using technology in the classroom. Pierre has a B.A and a M.S. of science from Delta State University. He is certified in biology and general science. He also recently completed required coursework for instructional leadership licensure at Bethel University.

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