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Contest Judge Patricia Jackson
Patricia Jackson is a passionate believer of the late Rita Pierson’s motto: “Every student deserves a champion”. She is a proud graduate of Bethune Cookman University, graduating with a degree in Exceptional Student Education and Varying Exceptionalities and later receiving her master’s in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Her teaching career began as a reading teacher at a Title 1 school in Broward County Public Schools. There she championed for the most critical and vulnerable students and was successful in showing
tremendous student reading growth.
Her next ventures led her to a School Reading Coach, then to District Literacy Specialist working with several Title I schools at Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville before becoming an Assistant Principal for 5 years. Her leadership was crucial in helping the school gain and maintain an “A” status for 3 consecutive years.
In 2020, she joined IDEA Public Schools as a Principal -In -Residence. Excelling in several leadership roles, Patricia ensured the overall success of the Academy and was named the proud Founding Principal of IDEA Bassett Academy, Jacksonville, FL. She is excited to lead and lay a strong foundation for future IDEA scholars here in on the Northside of Jacksonville.
She is a loving wife, mother of three kids, and recently adopted a beautiful daughter to her family. They enjoy traveling and spending time with extended family. She continues to serve the community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.