This semester, St. Joe has welcomed a new addition to the science department: Mrs. Jordan Jackson. She has jumped in mid-year, and is teaching freshman biology. 

Originally from Granite City, Mrs. Jackson has lived in nearly every corner of Illinois throughout her college years and the beginning of her career. She attended community college at Southwestern Illinois College, then Eastern Illinois University for her Bachelors, and then finally she earned her masters degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. For her student teaching, Mrs. Jackson taught at Cahokia High School in Cahokia, Ill. Her arrival at St. Joe will be her second official teaching position, having previously been at Danville High School, in Danville Illinois. 

One thing is obvious when talking with Mrs. Jackson: she is a big fan of all things related to plants and animals. The wide range of pets she cares for at home are a clear indicator of this, along with the enthusiasm she speaks with in regards to anything related to the science of living things. 

“Like a typical biologist, I’m all about having and caring for all plants and animals. I have a handful of pets— tree frogs, a 30-gallon aquarium with fish and snails, a cat, [and] a dog,” she said. 

In fact, prior to her decision to enter teaching, she had plans to go into animal husbandry. (That’s the selective breeding and development of genetic qualities in livestock). What drew Mrs. Jackson to becoming a teacher was her love of helping others with course material in school, along with her passion for talking about science. 

“I always learned best by teaching others when I studied in school and had always loved talking and teaching about science. One of my favorite college professors [during undergraduate] told me I was going into the wrong field of work when I was going for animal husbandry. After talking with him, I [soon] realized I [that] loved being in the classroom and bringing science to a level that everyone can understand,” she said. 

In her free time, Mrs. Jackson loves art. Ceramics and painting are her two favorite mediums and she wishes she had more time to be able to do them. She was recently married, and when relaxing at home her favorite TV shows consist of Grey’s Anatomy, The Office and The Sopranos. 

As early in her career as she may be, Mrs. Jackson is robust in the environment she plans to create in her classroom. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of including all individuals’ unique perspectives and worldviews. She believes that all students have something of value to share through their personal input, and that everyone within a school community can use their life experiences as tools to learn from each other. 

“I hope I can be a pair of eyes and ears that anyone can bounce ideas off of, learn from, or ask questions. As a new teacher in my career and to the community, [I know] I have a lot to learn. [From my students], I hope I learn everything I can to become a better person and educator,” she said. 

Thus far, Mrs. Jackson has already made a lasting impact on her freshman biology students. Though the semester has just begun, Freshman Isabel Stadnyk is already thoroughly enjoying Mrs. Jackson’s class. 

“I have Mrs. Jackson and I love her class. She is very organized, fun, and [even] has two pet frogs in her room. She provides a safe learning space and has really helped me grow in my studies!” Isabel said. 

Other freshmen in Mrs. Jackson’s classes say that her openness to hearing the perspectives of each of her students, her coordinated management of materials, and her genuine passion for teaching science has made her classroom a place where they feel confident and excited in the material they are learning. 

Next time you’re free and on the third floor, visit Mrs. Jackson’s tree frogs, an inclusive classroom and a warm conversation.