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EDITOR’S NOTE: The LaGrange Daily News is doing a Q&A with all of the teachers of the year in the Troup County School System. Today, we are writing about Brooke Jackson, Physical Education and Health teacher at Callaway Middle School. We asked her 20 questions, and we shortened this interview to some of our favorite responses.

Brooke Jackson has worked in education for 14 years, 11 at Callaway High and her last three at Callaway Middle. Jackson is the faculty sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Director of Football Operations for CMS and the girl’s head soccer coach. She also helps out with Day of Champions through the school’s exceptional education program.

“I love to see student athletes excel in and out of the classroom.  Coaching football and soccer allows me to experience the joy of ups and downs of athletics alongside the students.  Being the sponsor for FCA lets me see our students get to unite their faith and athletics to impact others, which is our ultimate goal,” Jackson said. 

What inspired you to become an educator? (Or who?) 

“My mother was a teacher for over 30 years, so I saw what she did as I grew up. I also loved going to school and am a lifelong learner, so what better occupation than to become a teacher.”

What are your career aspirations? 

“I am right where I need to be. I could say I would like to pursue different leadership roles or administration, but then that takes me out of the classroom and gym.  My heart is teaching young people who turn into young adults.  My path and goals might change a little down the road, but right now I love every minute of what I do and could not imagine doing anything else.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career field would you be in? 

“I would probably be doing something with numbers.  I am also certified to teach math, so I could see myself in an investment firm or financial advisor role.” 

What hidden talent do you have that might surprise your students and our readers?

“I can fix just about anything if it is broken.  I also know a few card tricks.”

 What’s the most creative/unique project one of your classes has worked on?

“How to calculate, maintain, and change your heart rate during physical activity.  I have taught students how to calculate their heart rate, then measure it during different types of exercises.  They love finding out how activities of everyday life such as sweeping or brushing their teeth change their heart rate just like running, exercising, and yoga does.”

 If you could invite any historical figure to speak to your class, who would you choose and why?

“I would invite Annie Oakley. She combined talent, skills, success, and humility all while paving her own way to dominate in sport that did not include women at the time.  She also gave generously to others after growing up in poverty.  She was a self-made hero of her time and we could all learn something from her.”

What’s the most rewarding part about your job? 

“Coming in to work every day and seeing students smile and say they can not wait to come to my class.  I also love seeing students make gains in their athletic abilities after working so hard in weight training class.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

“The most challenging part of teaching is seeing students who might not have a full support system at home.  It is hard on my heart.”

What’s the most unusual excuse a student has given you for not completing their homework?

“I do not generally give out homework, but I have heard kids say their siblings took their work or threw it away.” 

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year? 

“Being named TOTY for CMS was a huge honor for me.  I genuinely love each person in our building and care for our students and overall success of Callaway Middle School.  I am just so proud and thankful to represent my CMS family.”

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite activities?

“I love to be outside doing anything.  Playing pickleball is my new favorite hobby.  I like to travel to places I have never been, especially if it means getting to go to a sporting event.”

As your students transition to the next grade or graduate in May, what is one key takeaway you hope they carry forward from their time in your class?

“I always tell them that if they ever think no one loves them, I do. I teach that they have to respect themselves first before they can respect others.  I hope every one of my students carry on the little life lessons I try to teach them every day.”