TASA’s “Inspiring Leaders” tagline is not just a reminder of TASA’s commitment to leadership development; it describes our members themselves — school leaders who inspire others as they work to prepare future-ready students. Meet Walter Jackson, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
Since April 2015, Dr. Walter Jackson has served as superintendent in Brenham ISD. With a personal mission of preparing all students in Brenham for an unpredictable future, Jackson has focused on supporting educators and balancing campus demographics to better serve the community. With nearly 30 years of education experience under his belt, Jackson is exceptionally proud of Brenham ISD and the way the district has worked to prepare students for success beyond high school no matter where they head next.
“Our emphasis on the STEAM fields, literacy, workforce development and college and career readiness is helping us prepare students for a future that has yet to be defined,” Jackson says. “In Brenham ISD, students are graduating with ample opportunities to lead successful lives beyond what has been offered in the past — we are moving in the right direction.”
Jamey Johnson, who serves as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in the district, says that Jackson is a phenomenal leader and mentor to his staff.
“Dr. Jackson has had accomplished much in our district, but his most important accomplishment is being principled while providing the leadership skills necessary to move a rural district forward,” Johnson says. “His leadership has absolutely transformed the district.”
To Jackson, serving in Brenham is a privilege, and one that allows him to support the future of Texas through its most important residents: its students.
“Coming from humble beginnings, I am convinced that there’s nothing more powerful and transformative than that of a good education,” Jackson says. “The life I live and the positive experiences my own children now enjoy are directly linked to the fact that I was afforded a great education in the public school system. I aim to improve and protect our public school system with every fiber of my being.”
Many staff members in Brenham ISD have been inspired by Jackson’s mentorship, including Director of Communications Jessica Johnston, who says he’s been a significant source of inspiration in her work.
“What strikes me the most about Dr. Jackson is his authenticity. He is the same man in the grocery store, at church, at school and behind closed doors,” she says. “His ability to gain support for public education through building relationships, implementing cutting-edge programs and engaging in honest, two-way communication makes him not only an inspiration, but a transformative leader.”
Beyond Brenham, Jackson has served on TASA’s Professional Learning Committee, an opportunity he says has afforded him the privilege of meeting and learning from some of the top minds in Texas public education.
“Simply attending a TASA meeting is like attending a university master class, learning from the John Deweys and Horace Manns of our time,” Jackson says. “I aim to learn as much as I possibly can from these savants in our field, make contributions when possible, and ultimately transform our district while doing so.”
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