Jodi Jackson is the junior high Life Skills, 8th grade reading and Spanish 1 and 2 teacher. Mrs. Jackson has gotten to see her three children prosper through Cordell Schools and now enjoys helping her students flourish. Mrs. Jackson encourages her students to be kind to themselves and to others. Read more below about Jodi Jackson, our Cordell Blue Devil Faculty Spotlight!
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Who you are, what you like to do, how long you’ve been here, etc.?
Hello! My name is Jodi Jackson. I have lived in this area almost all of my 52 years. I graduated from High School in Dill City. I attended college at SWOSU and then OU, graduating with a degree in Foreign Language Education in German and Spanish. I met my husband Dean at SWOSU. We’ve been married 30 years and have three kids – Jordan, Marielle and Nate. Jordan and Marielle have graduated from Cordell High School and both have graduated from UCO. Nate is a junior here at Cordell. Now I get the privilege to teach Spanish, Reading and Life Skills here at Cordell Schools.
I discovered my love of foreign languages in college but I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures. My mom would take us to the library here in Cordell in the summers and we would check out books from different countries. We would learn about their customs and traditions and at the end of the week we would make a meal from that country.
I love to read. I do all kinds of crafts – painting, cross-stitch and knit. But my very favorite thing to do is to travel. My family and I were so fortunate to go to Europe in 2019 with my parents which was a lifetime experience.
What are your goals for the second half of the school year?
My goals for the second half of this school year are to continue to inspire my students to open their minds to different cultures. I feel like learning the language of a different culture is a great way to begin.
What has been your favorite moment from this year?
Part of my curriculum in teaching Spanish is to lead the students in skits. The students have props and follow my story line as I narrate completely in Spanish. These are some of my favorite days because we are laughing and learning at the same time.
What was it that made you want to be a teacher?
I really enjoy being around Junior High and High school kids. They are bright and funny and there is never a dull moment. I just love sharing my love of languages with them. I can’t think of a better place to work.
What subject/grade do you teach? Why did you choose that specific one?
Jr. High Life Skills, 8th Grade Reading and Spanish 1 and 2. I choose to teach Spanish, as mentioned above, because I love it. I was asked to teach Life Skills and 8th Reading, and I have discovered that I really enjoy teaching these classes as well.
What motivates you to be the best teacher you can be for your students? What are your intentions when you walk into the classroom?
I have always said that if I can give my students a curiosity and love for learning Spanish, they will continue to do so later in life. I want to be inspirational, fun and teach in a way that is comprehensible and interesting.
When you’re not teaching, how do you like to spend your time?
Having good conversations with my friends and family, crafts and reading. If my husband Dean and I aren’t watching shows about travel, we are planning where we want to go next!
Do you have any advice for your students?
My students know that our classroom motto is BE KIND. My advice on the daily to them is to be kind to themselves and others. I want them to recognize just how valuable they are.