Open To Work
Cleaster Jackson
2034 York River Way
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic educator and counselor with expertise in special education and individualized support. Proven ability to develop tailored learning plans that enhance student outcomes. Strong collaborator with educators to foster effective learning environments. Committed to empowering students through impactful guidance and educational experiences.
Overview
50
50
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Tutor
STEP Academics
12.2022 - Current
- Provided one-on-one and small group instruction to students at various Title I Schools. Idlewood. Hambrick,
- Conducted assessments for students who were referred for special education services by teachers.
- Modified classroom resources to enhance student learning.
- Provided to teachers and students key study areas on GA MAP testing blueprint
High School Tutor Yeshiva High School
STEP Academics
Atlanta
06.2024 - 05.2026
- Facilitated small group tutoring at Jewish Boys School Dekalb H.S. to enhance student understanding of core subjects.
- Provided one-on-one and inclusion teaching to identified students.
- Collaborated with administration to evaluate and modify academic testing tool
Dunwoody H.S. Transitional Counselor
Dekalb Schools
Dunwoody
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Counseled students and parents to support "at risk" seniors in graduating, regularly monitoring attendance and grades, assisting with college testing and applications for technical schools, armed services, and employment.
- Facilitated group sessions for students to complete GA Futures applications and other related tasks.
- Facilitated group sessions to students in classroom for filling out GA Futures applications, etc.
- Contacted two students each morning to ensure they woke up for school
3rd grade Inclusion Teacher
Dekalb Schools
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Provided services as 3rd grade Inclusion Teacher
- Facilitated integration of services in Science and Math classes
- Assisted students with academic challenges in grasping key concepts through tailored instruction
- Supported students by modifying their assignments.
Director of Student Support
Victory World Christian
12.2016 - 07.2019
- Consulted with students on academic needs and gifted programs. Designed individualized plans to address each student's requirements.
- Led strategic planning initiatives for community outreach programs.
- Developed and implemented educational resources for congregation engagement.
- Coordinated volunteer training sessions to enhance community service efforts.
Part-time teacher/Elementary Special Education Teacher
Gwinnett Schools
07.2014 - 06.2016
- Hired as part-time teacher to provide WISC-R Academic Testing for students being considered for Special Education Services. Later was offered position to teach part-time; then full-time 3rd Grade
- Developed lesson plans aligned with state standards and student needs.
- Implemented diverse instructional strategies to engage all learners effectively.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
Principal/Superintendent
World of Wonder School
Dayton
07.2014 - 06.2013
- Responsible for the overall operation of the WOW Charter School. School was Charter DPS district
- Supervised daily operations and staff performance at educational institution.
- Developed and implemented school policies to enhance student learning environment.
- Coordinated staff training programs to improve instructional practices among educators.
Director (DPS)
Dayton Public Schools
08.2003 - 07.2004
- Special Education Director to Dayton Public Schools
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
- Developed and implemented innovative curriculum programs across multiple grade levels.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to address educational needs and resources.
Principal
Inkster High School
Inkster
09.2000 - 08.2003
- Recruited and serve as principal to an underachieving High school. Managed overall operations leading to increased enrollment and improved student performance.
Principal (DPS)
Greene Academy JROTC
09.1997 - 09.2000
- Led the JROTC high school as building principal and supported at-risk students with on-site college classes.
Associate Director * Dayton Public Schools
Paid Sabbatical *DPS Aug. 1994-May 1997
07.1993 - 08.1994
- Special Education. Promoted to (AD) supervision of all special education programs in Cluster II15 schools-K-12.
- Assessed student progress through various evaluation methods and provided feedback.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on IEP implementation and compliance.
- Collaborated with outside agencies to secure additional resources for students.
Supervisor (DPS)
Dayton Public Schools
04.1991 - 07.1993
- Special Education supervisor for all schools with Students with developmental disabilities
School Counselor (XCS)
Meadowdale High School
09.1986 - 04.1991
- Facilitated on-site counseling sessions for students and parents Secured agreement to have on site counseling services available to students and parents at school
- Supported the creation of work-sites for student learning
- September 1986- June 1986(high school special ed.)
Teacher
Xenia High School
08.1985 - 06.1988
- Special education teacher 9-12. Developed integrated curriculum for special education students
Teacher H.S. (XCS)
Warner Junior High School
Xenia
08.1985 - 06.1985
- Teacher Elementary (XCS)
Program Director
Towards Independence
Xenia
12.1980 - 09.1984
- Supervised residential services program for adults with cognitive delays and emotional/behavioral disabilities, leading to board invitation post-employment.
School Social Worker
Duluth Public Schools
Duluth
09.1976 - 11.1980
- Managed case load of 110 K-12 students with learning disabilities.
- Facilitated workshops on social skills and conflict resolution to enhance student interactions.
- Conducted crisis intervention sessions to address urgent student needs.
- Collaborated with educators to create tailored support plans for at-risk students.
- Delivered counseling services to assist students with personal and academic challenges.
- Developed individualized service plans focused on achieving client-specific goals.
Education
Ed.D. - Special Education, Education Leadership
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV05-1997
M.S. - Counseling
University of Wisconsin
Superior, WI08-1985
B.S. - Social Work
University of Wisconsin
Superior, WI06-1975
Skills
- Individualized instruction
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Special education strategies
- Educational collaboration
- Student engagement
- Community outreach
- Compliance monitoring
- Effective communication
- Data analysis
- Parent-teacher communication
- Assessment techniques
- Positive reinforcement
- Student motivation
- Transitional support
- Self-directed learning
- Collaboration and teamwork
Publications/Media/Awards
Jackson, C., (l997) Assisting marginal teachers: A training model. note: publication indexed on ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
Jackson, C June 2019, Breaking Down Barriers Principal Magazine,
*Recognized in article (Power of One) in the OLIO, which is published by the College of Human Resources & Education at West Virginia University. Article focused in on Dr. Jackson's contributions as one of six individuals inducted into the 2008 Hall of Fame. Invited to join September 2026 Hall of Fame WVU.,
*The Victorine Louistall Monroe Award for outstanding leadership and service to the African American Community, Presented by West Virginia University Center for Black Culture and Research,
*DPS Superintendent and Board Award commending efforts towards recipient of
*Ohio Best Practice -Blue Ribbon ) New American High School (awards to Greene Academy,
*Ohio Governor Award Commendation for Excellent Services to Dayton Public Schools
*Michigan State Superintendent, Award You Make the Difference Award
* Hall of Fame Inductee, College of Education, West Virginia University,
Timeline
High School Tutor Yeshiva High School
STEP Academics
06.2024 - 05.2026
Dunwoody H.S. Transitional Counselor
Dekalb Schools
09.2023 - 05.2024
Elementary School Tutor
STEP Academics
12.2022 - Current
3rd grade Inclusion Teacher
Dekalb Schools
08.2019 - 05.2021
Director of Student Support
Victory World Christian
12.2016 - 07.2019
Part-time teacher/Elementary Special Education Teacher
Gwinnett Schools
07.2014 - 06.2016
Principal/Superintendent
World of Wonder School
07.2014 - 06.2013
Director (DPS)
Dayton Public Schools
08.2003 - 07.2004
Principal
Inkster High School
09.2000 - 08.2003
Principal (DPS)
Greene Academy JROTC
09.1997 - 09.2000
Associate Director * Dayton Public Schools
Paid Sabbatical *DPS Aug. 1994-May 1997
07.1993 - 08.1994
Supervisor (DPS)
Dayton Public Schools
04.1991 - 07.1993
School Counselor (XCS)
Meadowdale High School
09.1986 - 04.1991
Teacher
Xenia High School
08.1985 - 06.1988
Teacher H.S. (XCS)
Warner Junior High School
08.1985 - 06.1985
Program Director
Towards Independence
12.1980 - 09.1984
School Social Worker
Duluth Public Schools
09.1976 - 11.1980
Ed.D. - Special Education, Education Leadership
West Virginia University
M.S. - Counseling
University of Wisconsin
B.S. - Social Work
University of Wisconsin