Kim Jackson, Principal, Seaton Elementary School
Kim Jackson is serving in her fourth year as the proud principal of Seaton Elementary School. During her tenure, Seaton has experienced tremendous growth in every sense of the word. Between 2011 and 2014, Math proficiency nearly doubled from 35% to 69% and English Language Arts proficiency also rose from 34% in 2013 to 51% in 2014. As the school community continues to grow, students and staff are able to form stronger bonds through the home visit program, with over 80% of families receiving visits from Seaton staff throughout the year.
As a school leader, Principal Jackson believes her most important role is to be a teacher for all members of the community. She began her career in education in 1988 and taught for 10 years in Baltimore City Public Schools before becoming an administrator in Illinois and New Jersey. Today, she prioritizes time to lead a small group of students in reading interventions for 45 minutes each day. “It is one of the most exciting parts of my day. I think it is important for students and teachers to know that I am a teacher, too,” says Principal Jackson. Because of her desire to share her knowledge with others, she is a Lead Mentor for four new principals, with whom she shares lessons and advice as they navigate their first year as school leaders in DCPS, and she previously served as a Mary Jane Patterson Fellow Mentor Principal training the next generation of DCPS principals.
Despite all of her individual accolades, including recognition as a 2014 Rubenstein Award winner, Principal Jackson is most proud of the entire Seaton learning community. She credits much of the success at Seaton to the respectful learning environment she and her team have developed. As she says, “we are constantly praising students along their journeys. We know how important it is to meet students where they are and to individualize and differentiate instruction strategically. We have an encouraging learning environment where everyone expects our students to do well.” Furthermore, Principal Jackson acknowledges her teachers for “doing whatever it takes,” her support staff for “taking on the behind-the-scenes work,” parents and families for “their continued support,” school partners for “the amazing opportunities they provide for students,” and the students at Seaton for “coming to school each day willing to participate in the interactive learning journey.” Her love for her students has helped her to shape Seaton into a positive, inclusive, and diverse school community!