Congratulations, Candice Jackson. One of our union members has been named 2023-2024 Michigan Teacher of the Year by the state Department of Education.Ms. Jackson, who has been in the district since 2002, says it was a shock to be nominated. She was contacted by the state and asked to complete an application, which she says wasn't even on her radar. After her interview in Lansing, she said she felt good. Ms. Jackson was named as Region 10 (City of Detroit) Teacher of the Year in mid-April. She was presented with the regional award by the DPSCD School Board at its April Regular Board meeting.
As Michigan Teacher of the Year she will have a seat at the State Board of Education table as a non-voting member, attend several national conferences with fellow state teachers of the year, and will be Michigan’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year. We are proud that she will be using her experience as a union member and a DPSCD teacher to advocate for students.
Her advice for new teachers is to find a good mentor for yourself. She also says to build a relationship with your students and their families. You have to let children know how much you care. Those relationships you build helps to bridge the gaps.
She is a Michigan State Spartan grad and undergrad and began her career at Newberry Elementary. She moved to Ronald Brown Academy and is now a third grade Math Master Teacher at Mann Elementary. She has also taught first and second grades.
She says she is humbled and hopes she does a good job representing the district and the DFT. We know she will.
