Meet Leonard Jackson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leonard Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leonard below.

Hi Leonard, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

This was instilled in me from an early age. I knew I always wanted to help others. This happened in my humble beginnings in the church. I found my purpose when asked to step up and start teaching a youth bible study class. It always brought joy to my heart and soul to help reach back and teach the young people; almost like providing them with a road map or blueprint. So, I was able to find my purpose in life. It became a personal and subjective journey that required self-reflection, exploration, and discovery on my part. It was during this process that I began reflecting on values, exploring passions and strengths, seeking feedback from others, and trying new things. It also involved practicing mindfulness, journaling, meditating, and being patient and persistent. However, I was never too proud to, seek guidance from others, which was always helpful.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I, Dr. Leonard Jackson, have always been passionate about education. I have been in education for over 22 years as of this year. As a child, I would spend hours helping my younger cousins, and even friends with their homework, this was the start of the “teaching” bug for me. As I grew older, my love for teaching only deepened. After earning my educational degrees in English, an add-on certificate in Special Education, a Master’s in Education with a focus on curriculum and instruction, an Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership focused on Reading, and a doctorate in education with a focus on leadership, curriculum, and instruction, I finally had the opportunity to turn his dream into a reality.

My enthusiasm was contagious as I stood in front of the classroom of eager students during my first year. I had just finished introducing myself and was about to begin my lesson on the main ideas. I remember my eyes sparkled with excitement as I wrote “What’s up with the MAIN IDEA?” on the board, and the students couldn’t help but giggle at the silly title I placed on the board.

It was at this moment; that I knew my purpose. It was to help educate the next generation. It was throughout the “Main Idea” lesson, that my passion for teaching shone through. I remember moving around the room, using different props and visual aids to help each student understand the complex concept of understanding/finding the main idea of a story. I asked questions, encouraged participation, and offered individualized support to those who needed it. I remember my students being completely engaged, asking thoughtful questions and actively working on their assignments.

As the lesson ended, I beamed with pride as I surveyed the room. It was a “feel-good moment” seeing the light bulbs go off in my students’ heads as they grasped new concepts. It was moments like these that made all the hard work worth it. I think what I love most about teaching is watching my students grow and develop not just academically, but also personally. I take much pride in being a mentor and role model, guiding them through challenges and celebrating their successes.

One student, in particular, caught my attention, it was during my second year or third year teaching (at the time) – a quiet, yet shy student, who struggled with confidence, became a personal joy to teach. Let me tell you why?!…… So, it was throughout the lesson (on finding the Main Idea), that I made a conscious effort to draw him into the reading lesson, asking him thoughtful questions and praising his efforts as he responded to my probing questions for engagement. By the end of the class, the student was beaming with pride, having completed a difficult assignment.

Personally, this made me feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment as I watched his confidence grow. It was moments like these that reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place – to make a positive impact on young lives. My brand as a teacher, mentor, and content expert/subject matter expert is to provide life lessons and instill confidence in the students I teach. I want them to realize no matter what walk of life they may come from; they can achieve anything they put their minds to do.

“If You Can Believe It, You Can Achieve It” is a motto I still teach and believe in to this very day!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

This is a very good question!! I would say, looking back, there are several qualities and skills of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey. I think I am still learning, even as an adult! (LOL). I would say having a curious mind in the early stages of learning, being an analytical thinker, and being an effective communicator very early on helped make my journey impactful.

Curiosity: Having a curious mindset is crucial in today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving technological landscape. It allows you to stay updated with the latest developments, explore new ideas, and adapt to changes quickly. Curiosity also enables you to ask the right questions, which is essential for learning and problem-solving.

Advice for early-stage learners: Develop your curiosity by reading articles, attending webinars, and engaging with communities and like-minded people related to your field of interest. Encourage yourself to ask questions, seek feedback, and be open to new perspectives.

Analytical thinking: Analytical thinking is the ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions. This skill is critical in AI and technology as it helps you understand data-driven insights, identify biases, and make informed decisions.

Advice for early-stage learners: Practice analytical thinking by solving puzzles, brain teasers, or logical problems. Learn to break down complex topics into smaller parts and use tools like flowcharts or diagrams to visualize your thoughts.

Communication: Effective communication is vital in AI and technology as it allows you to convey complex ideas simply and clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Good communication also helps you build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Advice for early-stage learners: Focus on developing your verbal and written communication skills. Practice explaining complex topics in simple terms, and learn to use visual aids like diagrams or charts to support your message. Join online communities or participate in discussions to improve your ability to articulate your thoughts.

Additionally, I would recommend the following general advice for early-stage learners:
• Set clear goals and prioritize your learning objectives
• Find a mentor or online community that aligns with your interests
• Be patient and persistent; learning is a continuous process
• Experiment with different tools and technologies to find what works best for you
• Stay organized and keep track of your progress

Remember that these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge are not mutually exclusive, and developing one often reinforces the others. By focusing on these aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of personal and professional life!

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents are two of the most important people in my life. I have learned so much! They have provided me with personal and professional life lessons. However, they did not shy away from teaching my siblings and me about life. There is “book sense” and then, there is life’s teachings and “common sense.” So, therefore, I will list a few things…… My parents are impactful to me because they both…………………

o Provided a loving and stable home environment
o Showed physical affection
o Practiced active listening and validation
o Modeled positive values and behaviors
o Encouraged independence and autonomy
o Supported my passions and interests
o Fostered a growth mindset
o Prioritized quality time together
o Taught emotional regulation
o Modeled gratitude and positivity
o Encouraged open communication
o Supported my mental health
o Taught being present in the moment

Image Credits

Photos courtesy of the University of Phoenix (doctoral ceremony).