D’Antoinette “Dee” Jackson, 41, loves math. She wants others to love it, too.

She is an eighth-grade math teacher at Lake Charles Charter Academy. The subject has always been her favorite because of the expansive applications mathematics has.

“Math is fun and it helps us develop problem solving skills that can extend into other areas of our lives.”

Jackson is a NOLA native. She attended Joseph S. Clark Senior High in New Orleans before coming to Lake Charles to earn a Bachelor of Science in business management from McNeese State University.

Teaching was not her first career choice. She is a wife and mother of three, and was a parent volunteer at LCCA while she was also a full-time banker. During her volunteer time, she said she was “fascinated by the amazing teaching strategies and how each teacher implemented them in their own unique and engaging way.” Her inspiration was solidified when she was encouraged by LCCA Superintendent Pam Quebodeaux to pursue a career in education.

She went on to attend Grand Canyon University with a master’s in secondary education, and now is in her 12th year of teaching.

As a teacher, she enjoys helping students develop their academic and life skills. She treats each math concept like a building block, with each lesson slowly building on the last to create a fully-fleshed out education. This practice ensures that her students are able to succeed, she said.

“I enjoy helping students advance in life by strengthening their math skills one standard at a time.”

Math can be a difficult subject for many students, but Jackson lives for the bright moments of clarity and understanding her students experience.

“That’s when students understand challenging concepts and feel accomplished.”

She has nurtured a mutual respect between her and her students. The establishment of this respect was aided by the “strong routines and procedures” that are instituted in her classroom. The structure of her lessons allow for an efficient learning environment that is simultaneously uplifting.

“I have a positive classroom culture and I encourage my students to do great every day.”

Her role as a teacher is vital for the success of both her individual students and the community as a whole, she believes. She said a good education is the “key to minimizing poverty” in Southwest Louisiana.

“We must educate, encourage and elevate every student to envision their greatness. The more you know, the more you grow. Education can positively open the doors to success.”

Jackson’s service to students is not limited to the classroom. For the last five years, she has also planned, prepared and executed the eighth grade end-of-year celebrations, including their prom and “move up” ceremony.

Teachers should continue to be kind to themselves, and keep their original mission and drive in mind, she said.

“Remember why you became a teacher, use that as your motivation and don’t forget to give yourself grace everyday.”