DALLAS—JANUARY 15, 2015—Deborah Jackson, special projects administrator in Fairfax County (Va.) Public Schools, began her term as president of Learning Forward at the conclusion of the association’s annual conference in Nashville, Tenn., on December 10, 2014.
Jackson succeeds Julie Blaine, executive director of the Central Regional Professional Development Center at the University of Central Missouri. Blaine now serves as past president.
Jackson joined Learning Forward’s Board of Trustees in 2012. In her current position, Jackson leads the design and implementation of the school system’s teacher and administrator effectiveness initiatives. She is a mentor and instructor for the system’s Aspiring Principals Program and provides coaching support to principals and administrators in leadership, research-based instruction, and other topics. A former middle and high school principal, Jackson has been an educator for 28 years. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education for the University of Virginia. Jackson has facilitated and presented at many local, national, and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. Jackson is a member of the Learning Forward Virginia Board and a graduate of the Learning Forward Academy Class of 2011. She is also a former board member of the Fairfax Association of Black School Educators and has received numerous awards for her achievements and service, including the 2014 PDK Chapter 1144 Educator of the Year award.
John Eyolfson is Learning Forward’s new president-elect. Eyolfson is the science coordinator for the Cherry Creek School District in Centennial, Colo.
“Our board members provide essential guidance to ensure that Learning Forward is at the forefront in supporting our members and the field,” Stephanie Hirsh, executive director of Learning Forward. “The range of perspectives and the depth of expertise among our board members gives me the utmost confidence in their leadership. I look forward to working with them throughout the year,” said Hirsh.
Joining the board this year are newly elected board members Alan Ingram and Scott Laurence. They begin three-year terms of service. Ingram is the deputy commissioner at the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education. Laurence is the superintendent of the San Mateo Union High School District in San Mateo, Calif.
