25 Women for 2024: Delshuana Jackson enjoys being a 'relationship builder'

Delshuana Jackson always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. Growing up in Gadsden County, she recalls playing school with her sister and cousins, and when she entered her university studies at Florida A&M University, she never wandered from that path.

But it wasn’t until she had settled into her career that she realized she was called into education for a reason: to not just teach, but to improve schools.

Her diplomacy, tenacity, and leadership in education make her a force of nature for Title I schools, and one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know, nominated by the teachers who she leads as Principal at Bond Elementary School.

“I enjoy being a relationship builder,” she said, “and working closely with the people I lead.” Not afraid to get her hands dirty, Jackson leads through collaboration and team building. Her commitment to leveling the playing field for all students has resulted in Bond Elementary’s trajectory from a two-year D-rated school to consistent B ratings. “Every student deserves a high-quality education,” she says. “It doesn’t matter where they live.”

She takes personal responsibility for ensuring the school’s success, and you are likely to find her knee-deep in student data, supporting teachers, teacher and student observations, and the latest research on instructional best practices that work. “Data is important in our considerations because it helps us determine where students need the most support, what expertise is needed to provide it, and where our resources are best spent,” she said.

Jackson’s commitment to data-driven procedures shows up in her focus on cultivating a strong school culture. Instituting programming before school, afterschool, and on Saturdays is one of many strategies that has bridged the gap between student performance in the classroom and at home. “Giving our students those opportunities for improvement while supporting the students who are performing well are equally important,” she said.

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She intentionally seeks challenges in her career. “I enjoy having the opportunity to turn around schools, impact student achievement, and help teachers grow professionally,” she said. But she is humble when asked about her methods. “I am responsible for articulating our mission and vision, making sure that everyone’s voice is heard, and making an impact on our community,” she said.

When the hours are long, she reflects on her mother’s example of a strong work ethic. “I've watched her give and work so diligently to make sure that we had what we needed, even to this date.” Her mother’s presence in her life is steadfast. “This is the fifth school I have led, and she has volunteered at each one. She is the one who inspires me to do what I do and to work hard.”

Jackson’s job is demanding, and she works a lot. But when she has time to herself, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her German Short-Haired Pointer, Apollo, and exploring boutiques looking for unique items that bring a smile to her face. She enjoys opportunities to connect with her siblings, who have all been educators.

“It takes practice and determination to accomplish things of importance in life,” says Jackson when reflecting on the legacy she wants to leave. “I am determined to make a difference in the lives of the students I work with, and it is my hope that I am able to inspire others.”

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women for 2024: Delshuana Jackson is a force for school success