Henrico's Top Teachers – Kirkland Jackson, Tuckahoe Middle School

For Tuckahoe Middle School music teacher and band director Kirkland Jackson, the pandemic has provided unique challenges. How, for instance, does a teacher help first-year musicians choose their instruments without the benefit of being physically in the room with them? In a virtual class, how does he get a group of students using a wide variety of instruments to play in synch?

On the other hand, Jackson says the pandemic has provided opportunities to improve his teaching and acquire new skills as well.

"[I've had to] learn a wider range of technology, create new lessons on music theory and history, and focus more on individual student musicianship," he says.

Jackson became a band director simply because he loves music and loves to learn. As a teacher, he says, "I get to focus on my passion for music, and help students find an interest in the subject too."

While he was influenced by various teachers growing up, he says he also continues to learn from and be inspired by his fellow educators at Tuckahoe M.S. – colleagues he calls "the best of the best."

Among his favorite moments as an educator are those when he gets to see his students "bond as a community" at performances, field trips and competitions. It's also rewarding, he says, to watch his students develop over the middle school years -- from sixth graders who have never played an instrument to eighth graders who are ready to contribute to high school music programs.

"I enjoy getting to shape, influence, observe, and document their musical growth," he says.

Clearly, Jackson is adept at guiding this growth, as Tammy Parent wrote in nominating him for a Henrico County Public Schools "Yay of the Day” award.

Jackson has gone "above and beyond" to connect with students, Parent said, even before the school year began. Although she knew nothing about reading music or playing an instrument, Jackson helped her understand how to pick the best instrument for her son.

"It’s important for me that my son has a positive experience with music education. Mr. Jackson took the time to explain the mechanics and skills needed to play different instruments," Parent said.

“Can you believe this man somehow managed to organize, teach and assemble a winter band concert with first-year band students all playing from their own homes? Phenomenal!"

Even without the additional challenges posed by the pandemic, Jackson admits, it's easy to get overwhelmed in a career like teaching.

"I feel like there is always more that I can do. There's always more assignments to grade, more emails to send, more private lessons to arrange and teach. Teaching can definitely consume you if you let it," he says.

"But teaching is a profession that is so rewarding and fulfilling. I wouldn't dream of doing anything else."