For Coach Jackson, it’s all about inspiration. “My goal is to be an example, and to be motivational and to be an inspiration to the students I’m around and have great relationships with them. And try to help them anyway I can…trying to improve lives.” Although new to East Forsyth, Jackson has become many students’ favorite teacher. 

To him, teaching is a calling. “Teaching is hard, satisfying, and teaching is a calling. You have to be called to be a teacher, I believe. I choose to teach because I believe it’s what I’ve been called to do.” Whether he is in the classroom or on the field, authenticity, motivation, and inspiration, are all keywords Jackson not only embodies, but implements to the students of East. 

“There is no difference between ‘teacher’ me and ‘coach’ me. I am the same person in the classroom as I am on the field. That is important to me to be the same person all the time. You want to be authentic.”

In his childhood, Jackson recalls one of the most important lessons he learned from his Dad. “My dad taught me the value of hard work.” Watching his father work 12 hours a day for 6 days a week, even on his off days, Jackson saw at a young age the pay-off of hard work. He strives to implement this lesson in his teaching. “The key to life, I think, is doing things you don’t want to do everyday. Just working hard every single day. If you can learn to do the things you don’t want to do and do them great then you are going to be successful”

Jackson had recently been teaching at Central High School before transferring to East. When asked about this he said, “had been at Central for a long time…except I believe in challenging yourself. I believe it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. And take new risks…so I wanted to be a part of building something. Building a new school, building a new football program and teaching a new subject.”

Jackson teaches Economics to East Forsyth Seniors and US History to Junior students. “I taught every subject in social studies except economics, so that’s how I got started teaching. I want to teach the one subject I haven’t taught yet.” Jackson is all about escaping your comfort zone and challenging yourself. Even in the face of adversity finding your motivation to strive. Jackson’s goal as a teacher is to build relationships with the students. To build their motivation and their confidence. Being a part of something incredible is what Jackson loves to do. 

“And again the secret to life is doing the things you don’t want to do every day. Having discipline. Discipline equals freedom.” Jackson showcases all the necessary values of a great teacher. His presence at East has already made an impact within the student body, and we can’t wait to see what he does next!