Posted by Commemorating Mrs. Jackson as she gets ready for retirement
By Riley Burdick, Staff Writer
To most people, Deneen Jackson is a revered high school math teacher: a friendly, cheerful lady who is always happy to see her students and colleagues.
Most of the students have no clue, however, that when she found her place at New Paltz High School, her dramatic, compassionate personality would bring a smile to anyone’s face, and quite possibly, even a laugh.
Known as “Action Jackson” to many at New Paltz High School, Deneen’s top classroom priority is the focus and education of her students, and she’s not afraid to have fun while doing it. Now, for someone with such apparent dedication, you may be wondering: Mrs. Jackson seems to love her job. She must’ve always dreamt of becoming a teacher? Right? Actually, the teaching career wasn’t exactly on her radar.
“I, once upon a time, thought I wanted to go into the medical field” admitted Jackson.
Attending Binghamton University, a youthful, intelligent Jackson was eager to get her degree in Biology and start her career as a medical professional. Although she loved learning the material and the study of life, it wasn’t until she stepped foot into the field that she realized the job wasn’t for her.
“I was really at a crossroads…I needed to do some soul searching,” said Mrs. Jackson. “So I asked myself: “What do I really love to do in life?’” It was then when she realized, after successfully getting her younger brother through Algebra 1 (something professionals failed to do!) that her passion lied in mathematics.
Despite knowing that she loved teaching math, she still had gone through college to get a science degree, which led her to teach an eighth grade physical science class.
“It was clear that the material wasn’t easy to some students, but I realized that the kids couldn’t do the science because they couldn’t do the math,” she said. After that it was clear as day: she loved teaching math; and she was good at it!
Even supposing Jackson’s “town celebrity” status in New Paltz, she hasn’t always been a teacher in our district. “I have a very varied teaching career,” she exclaims. “I taught at Highland Middle School, Mount Saint Mary’s in Poughkeepsie, and an alternative school to teach middle schoolers math and science.” Teaching in different districts and different types of schools has allowed her to connect with individual students, which in her eyes, was always “very rewarding.”
Being able to see her students, who have struggled in the past and who had little hope for their educational career, go to college and become successful never fails to bring a warm feeling to her heart.
“It’s all those really wonderful storybook moments…all those memorable moments put together that make teaching worth it.”
Mrs. Jackson
Being able to see her students, who have struggled in the past and who had little hope for their educational career, go to college and become successful never fails to bring a warm feeling to her heart.
“It’s all those really wonderful storybook moments…all those memorable moments put together that make teaching worth it,” Jackson continued.
She realized, however, that it is “good not to get complacent where you are.” When she saw an opportunity for a “second chapter” at New Paltz, she knew it was an offer she could not pass up!
“I just love teaching high school and I love New Paltz. I like the small town community. Every time I go in public in New Paltz I get recognized by a current or former student. It’s like I’m town-famous!”
One of her favorite aspects, though, is working with her coworkers. “I love working with my coworkers! The math department, especially, is just in sync,” she says. “I get to work with fun and good people who care about what happens to the students. We all have a common goal: fun and education.”
When asked how she keeps her students engaged in the classroom, Jackson explains that “To keep kids engaged, I think you have to be genuine and who you are, and I don’t have any trouble with that because I don’t know how to be anyone else but me.” And it works; “If you love what you’re teaching,” she says, “you’ll inspire them.”
As someone who has been teaching for countless years, watching her students succeed and become true to themselves throughout high school is the greatest gift.
“It’s really inspiring working at a high school because you get to see the beginning and you get to see the ending,” she said. “Success is not measured by reaching your goal. Whatever goal you set there’s always more to aspire to.”
Mrs. Deenen Jackson is a witty, lighthearted, energetic soul who has dedicated so much to our high school. New Paltz High School will forever be changed by what she has accomplished here, and most importantly, the success that she has inspired upon others.
Mrs. Jackson, thank you for your countless hours and positive attitude through everything. We wish you a happy retirement!
The Maroon 