AWARD: Educator

Karon Jackson

It sounds like a small-town story, and it is in a way -- even though it happened here in Rochester. Karon Jackson, principal of School No. 4, went to school there when she was a little girl. Because she remembers being a student there, being the principal means a lot to her. " Being principal at School No. 4 is like coming home or coming full circle," she says. "I always tell the kids, 'One day you may be sitting where I amŠI used to sit where you are now."

Ms. Jackson, a graduate of city schools, has been principal of School No. 4 for seven years. She has set a standard of excellence. The school received the National Title 1 Distinguished School Award for Closing the Achievement Gap in 2007-2008. School No. 4 was the only elementary school in New York state to receive the award.

Standards are high for everyone in the School No. 4 community, said Lisa Whitlow, assistant principal. "Ms. Jackson believes and expects all students at School No. 4 to learn and meet the standards." She is a strong believer in involving all students in all activities, and having high expectations for them all -- including the approximately one-half of the building comprising self-contained special education classes.

Ms. Jackson lives with her mother and sister, Sharon Jackson, principal of School No. 9. In the summer, she is a co-director of Right-On School Day Camp, a six-week tutorial and recreational day camp sponsored by St. Luke St. Simon Cyrene Church.

Rochester Education Foundation salutes Ms. Jackson for the leadership and passion she brings to her job as principal. As Ms. Whitlow says, "She is a woman who does not want or need accolades; she is answering her call and doing her life's work."