Cherish Jackson, Tyler Elementary School Resource Teacher

Tyler Elementary Resource Teacher Cherish Jackson has been selected as one of only ten educators from more than 550 nominees nationwide for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Jackson was surprised at a school assembly on Wednesday, May 10, coinciding with Teacher Appreciation Week. The recognition includes a $3,000 prize to be split between a $1,500 individual cash award and a $1,500 donation to Tyler Elementary. The LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. The program celebrates those making a significant difference in students’ lives by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. According to LifeChanger.com, more than $720,000 has been awarded to more than 7,300 school employees in over 2,000 school districts.

This is Jackson’s first year teaching in the District at Tyler Elementary. As a resource teacher, Jackson works with students in classroom and small group settings to support students with their grade-level core skills and provide targeted evidenced-based interventions to support and grow foundational skills.  Jackson explained the importance she puts on meeting students where they are in their learning needs. “My students have individual education plans (IEPs) to equip them with the support they need to overcome learning obstacles,” said Jackson. “I enjoy finding ways to make learning tangible and applicable to real situations.” For example, one student started her own small business selling tacos and needed to plan for supplies, costs, distribution, and promoting her product to customers. Jackson incorporated these tasks into the student’s IEP plan goals, helping to enhance learning by achieving not only academic goals but personal milestones that instill confidence and pride.

Jackson plans to use the funds to further support an afterschool journaling club that she started this year and to supplement more creative ways she can assist students in reaching their unique learning goals. “I’m so honored to have been nominated and chosen for this award,” said Jackson. “As the year quickly goes by, it’s easy to lose sight of the impact you are making as an educator. As I take a moment to reflect, I’m reminded of why I’m so passionate about connecting with my students and to never underestimate the power of helping individuals excel beyond what they believed possible for themselves.”

Jackson was nominated by a family member, who stated, “Ms. Jackson transforms her students into scholars with confidence, self-awareness, integrity, love, patience, bravery, and an exquisite sense of humor. She alone is the epitome of “It takes a whole village to raise a whole child.” DeKalb Community School District 428 commends and celebrates Ms. Cherish Jackson on this notable recognition.