Dr. James O. Jackson spent his entire career in North Colonie at Shaker High School (SHS). He served as a Science Teacher (1963-79), Science Department Supervisor (1979-91), and as the third Principal of Shaker High School (1991-2006). His career spanned 42.5 years (plus two years sabbatical for his PhD).

As Principal, he enhanced Shaker High School’s reputation, making it the #1 school in the Capital District throughout the 1990s and 2000s. He created an all-Regents school, increased Regents diplomas from 66% to 96.6%. In 1998, he was named High School Principal of the Year by the Capital Area School Development Association.

During Dr. Jackson’s tenure, SHS was chosen and participated in a five-year comprehensive study and professional development sponsored by the Gates Foundation and facilitated by the International Center for Leadership in Education. SHS was one of only 25 schools nationally represented in this Promising to Proven initiative.

Dr. Jackson has been consistent, passionate, and committed throughout his career in advocating and providing educational opportunities of the highest caliber for ALL students. His vision for students – and The Shaker High School – never wavered and guided him as a teacher, supervisor, and principal.

In addition to his work at North Colonie CSD, Dr. Jackson is a lifetime member of the Albany Medical Center Board of Directors and a former member of the NYS Board of Regents. He has generously volunteered his time with various community organizations including the Albany Two Together program. He has over 25 Peer Reviewed articles in local and national magazines on education, programs of benefit for students, educational philosophy, and leadership.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Geneva College, a master’s degree from the College of Saint Rose, and a PhD from Northwestern University where he was a Ford Foundation Fellow.

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