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Already possessing a wide range of experiences working in education and hailing from a long line of educators, Bridger Jackson knew he had a love for teaching before working with the Boulder Public Library District. But it was his experience there that reaffirmed his belief that he was truly meant to be a teacher.

“Connecting with young learners and their families in our Boulder community has been such a joy and I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue to serve them directly,” said Jackson.

Jackson’s mentors and professors pointed out his approach to purposeful, student-centered teaching and support for both students and colleagues in his community while nominating him for this year’s Outstanding MA+ Graduate Contribution to Teaching award.��

“What makes his teaching truly outstanding is the combination of care, clarity and commitment he brings to the profession; his students, peers and school communities are better because of his presence, and he is well-positioned to make a lasting and meaningful impact in education,” said Ashley Cartun, Jackson’s faculty nominator and associate teaching professor.��

Originally from South Denver, Jackson spent his entire life living along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It was the MA+ Teacher Licensure program’s commitment to ensuring that every student receives educational opportunities that would draw Jackson to ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������.��

A commitment that Jackson’s faculty and mentor teacher can attest to seeing him manifest in his own practice, as they mention his “curriculum design reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach, with lessons that are smart, relevant and grounded in principles of equity and justice.”

Jackson is looking forward to spending time camping, swimming, reading and writing after graduation as he prepares for his first year as a lead teacher in a Denver Public Schools middle school. He is thrilled to get to know his new community where he will undoubtedly continue to make meaningful contributions.��

In his own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

I am from South Denver and have lived along the Front Range my whole life. I have been blessed to have a wide variety of experiences in the field of education, I have worked with students all the way from kindergarten up to 8th grade and have loved each level uniquely. My previous work with the��Boulder Public Library District reaffirmed for me that I am truly meant to be a teacher; connecting with young learners and their families in our Boulder community has been such a joy and I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue to serve them directly. I chose ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ because I knew how committed this program is to ensuring that all students receive equitable, justice focused educational opportunities.

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

In order to change the world, you must first believe that the world is worth changing. People who aren't optimistic rarely affect positive change.

What does graduating from ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ represent for you or your family/community?

Graduating from ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ makes me a 4th generation educator, and the first male educator in my family.��Having the opportunity to share my enthusiasm, optimism, commitment to joy in the educational space, and deep belief in the boundless capabilities of young people with the Boulder and Denver community means the world to me.

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

"To be cringe is to be free." This was one of the first pieces of advice given to me by the cohort before me, and I pass it on to the next group of future educators.��Don't shrink behind your anxieties about how you are perceived by your students, peers, mentors, or colleagues. The biggest disservice you can do to yourself in the field of teaching, and in life in general, is to hide your passion. Get excited about the little things, your school community will benefit from your joy.

What are your next steps after graduation?

Camping, swimming, reading, writing, and resting! Spending valuable time with friends and family, and preparing myself for my first year as a lead teacher. I have accepted a position at a middle school in Denver Public Schools and am thrilled to get to know my new community.

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