With over 25 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Camille Jackson is a wonderful educator whose career spans a variety of grade levels and subjects. She began her journey at a charter school, teaching 7th and 8th graders, later expanding to cover 4th through 8th grades. In 2014, she transitioned to high school, where she teaches Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Algebra 3, and Geometry. Currently, she handles both in-person and online grading for advanced courses such as Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Algebra 3, Geometry, Calculus and Statistics.
Mrs. Jackson’s favorite subject to teach is Geometry, as she enjoys its visual and practical aspects. Today, Mrs. Jackson takes on a 6/5ths schedule, teaching an additional class for extra compensation, driven by her dedication to her students and love for math.
Mrs. Jackson’s day begins early- between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. on weekdays (and slightly later on weekends). She arrives at school around 7:00 to 7:15 a.m. and typically leaves between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. During the school day, she maximizes every moment, using assessments or free periods to plan lessons, grade assignments, and prepare for her classes. Any remaining work is completed at home in her free time.
Though her schedule leaves little room for breaks, Mrs. Jackson strives to give individual attention to her students, especially in smaller classes, where she can connect with them on a deeper level. Despite the challenges of a packed day, she finds ways to recharge her “Social battery” by engaging in outdoor activities or spending time with her sister.
The biggest challenges Mrs. Jackson faces include managing class preparation, handling large and than very small class sizes, and finding time for individual students. Teaching 6 classes means balancing grading and lesson planning while maintaining a high standard of education with all of her students.
To stay organized, Mrs. Jackson relies on collaboration with her Professional Learning Community (PLC), which includes fellow teachers Mrs. Schofield and Mrs. Kane. Together, they split the workload, share materials, and develop tests and rubrics collaboratively. While there isn’t a specific support system for the 6/5ths teachers at Verrado she appreciates the understanding and assistance of her colleagues and instructional coach, Mrs. James.
Self-care is a priority for Mrs. Jackson. She joined a gym, enjoys hiking with her sister, and has learned to balance work with personal interests. Reflecting on her past tendency to prioritize work over herself, she advises others to “take care of yourself, because nobody else will.”
Her motivation comes from her passion for math and her desire to inspire students. “ It’s not just about the grades or the subject,” she says. “It’s about knowing you can do anything you can put your mind to.”
Mrs. Jackson encourages teachers considering a 6/5ths schedule to evaluate their goals and motivations. For those seeking additional income, this option is preferable to taking on external jobs. She advises them to stay organized, collaborate with colleagues, and prioritize self-care.
If given the chance, Mrs. Jackson would add a zero hour to her schedule, allowing students to receive extra support before school. Her philosophy remains centered on her students” Kids are kids that are just kids. Everyone wants to be recognized and cared for. At the end of the day, teaching is about helping others, not yourself.”
Through her dedication and experience, Mrs. Jackson continues to leave a lasting impact on her students, proving that even with a packed schedule, the heart of teaching lies in connection and care.
