Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Jackson III.
Michael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a child, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher from playing teacher with my siblings and then in teacher cadet while in high school. In high school, I was that student who would fight, be combative with other students and teachers but I always knew the work which many teachers found puzzling because I would pass the test but would be so disruptive in class. It took special teachers like Ms. Samuel, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Stackhouse, Ms. Williamson, Ms. Cooper, and Dr. David to take the time and mode me into not only a great student but a phenomenal educator. I can still call and ask all my former teachers til this day. Once I entered college, I just knew that this was the career for me, even more. From teaching 9th and 11th grade English, my first year as a teacher to current, I have taught grades 7th-12th grade, and I love how I can teach English and make it relative to 21st century. Seven years within my career and I still believe that I not only teach students but they teach me as well. We educate each other!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road as an educator. As a black male educator, we go through challenges often. First challenge is that it took me four times to pass the teacher examination test. Many people would give up after the first or second time but I was determined to be a teacher and make an impact on each student that I come across. Other obstacles would be expectations put upon male educators, such as being the better disciplinarians, the coaches, and more. I have had to break up fights, have been called names, and even stalked on social media by both students and parents. Being a teacher is more than it seems because as a teacher you are a counselor, parent, friend, social worker, and so much more. It’s like the scene in the movie “Ghost,” when Whoopi Goldberg tells Demi Moore, “Molly, you in danger girl!” However, with the right guidance and patience, you can survive and endure anything.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from others?
I am a teacher who impacts lives not only for a moment but a lifetime. My lessons in my class may focus on Shakespeare but as a teacher, I ponder and ask, how can we take Shakespeare and analyze his meaning of love and how love transcends to our family, social lives, and own lives within the 21st century. I teach life long lessons through literature, writings, and discussions. My uniqueness as a teacher sets me apart because I am always willing and ready to learn new ways to teach, inspire and transcend new ideas into the lives of my students. Some of the students, tell me I always seem excited about each lesson that I teach and the love and fairness that I show each and every one of my students before they even walk into my class. Other things that set me apart from others is I take the time to build relationships and rapport with my students, parents and the community that not only my school but my district serves.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that Atlanta is a growing city with great opportunities for everybody to showcase their versatility and uniqueness. There is room for us all.
Hmm, I don’t like the traffic but, I guess nobody does.
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