Dr. Jackson, Finalist for Principal of the Year

McLean High School Principal Deborah Jackson, Ed.D, has been named a 2011 Principal of the Year finalist by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). She is one of only three principals to receive this honor.

A McLean resident, Dr. Jackson has been an educator for 25 years, serving as McLean’s principal since 2007. She supervises more than 130 administrators, faculty and staff and is responsible for nearly 2,000 students.

“Dr. Jackson’s leadership has made a substantial and positive impact on the McLean High School community’s sense of school spirit, academic achievement, vision and purpose,” said Jacky Longwell, McLean High PTSA President. “Her diligent work has successfully created an environment where students feel supported and challenged, and are inspired to excel in every aspect of their lives.

“Her leadership skills and her compassion for others have brought the school community together to forge a partnership focused on Dr. Jackson’s mission of Making Dreams Real,” Longwell added.

Dr. Jackson currently mentors aspiring and new FCPS administrators. She has facilitated various professional workshops and seminars, and presented at several local, national and international conferences and symposiums.  Her expertise is in the areas of leadership and instructional design.

Most recently, Dr. Jackson was invited to serve as a panelist, representing principals from across the United States at the 2011 National Education Summit in Washington, D.C. She is an active member of Learning Forward (formerly the National Staff Development Council) Academy Class of 2011; the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; National Association Secondary School Principals; and the Fairfax Association of Black School Educators. She also serves of the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of McLean.

Prior to becoming McLean’s top administrator, Dr. Jackson was the principal at Hughes Middle School from 2000 to 2007. She also served as an assistant principal at Annandale High School (1998-2000) and Holmes Middle School (1996-1998). She was a secondary school history and social sciences teacher from 1984 to 1996.

Dr. Jackson is a career switcher who spent several years working in business prior to entering the field of education. She feels that her prior experiences in education and business have shaped her viewpoint on public education and leading change.

Dr. Jackson attended Frostburg State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She also holds Master of Business and Public Administration and Doctorate of Education degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Maureen Marshall, principal at Garfield Elementary School, was named the 2011 principal of the year. Marshall has been Garfield principal since 2005 and has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for 16 years.