AMERICA | After twenty years of dedicated service in the classroom and school leadership, a woman named Kimya Jackson has achieved a remarkable academic milestone, earning her PhD in Teacher Education and Teacher Development from Montclair State University.
Her story is a powerful reminder that educational dreams have no deadline and that lifelong learning remains one of the strongest forms of leadership.
Dr. Jackson's Story and How She Did It
Dr. Jackson’s journey did not begin with privilege but with persistence. She started her academic path with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Essex County College.
Determined to further her studies and deepen her expertise, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Kean University.
Her passion for improving teaching practices led her back to Montclair State University years after for a Master’s degree in Teacher Education and Teacher Development, and now, her historic PhD.
For 20 years, Dr. Jackson has served the Redwood Elementary School community — first as a teacher shaping young minds, and since 2021, as the school’s principal.
Her commitment to excellence played a pivotal role in the school’s most celebrated milestone: Redwood Elementary being named a Blue Ribbon School in 2022, one of only 297 schools nationwide honored for outstanding academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps.
Achieving that recognition required years of effort and collaboration among teachers, students, families, and school leaders — and Dr. Jackson was at the heart of that progress.
Beyond administration, she has contributed significantly to teacher development, teaching the course “Social Studies Using the Arts” at Montclair State University and shaping DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion) initiatives throughout the West Orange School District.
When asked what she believes matters most in education, Dr. Jackson’s response reflected the depth of her experience. “Education should be facilitated equitably to meet the needs of all children,” she said.
She emphasized her vision for Redwood, a school community strengthened by cultural responsiveness, intentional inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and understood.
She highlights that continued growth requires all educators to remain reflective, open to learning, and willing to adapt to the rich diversity that defines their school community.
For Dr. Jackson, this PhD is more than a personal triumph; it is an example for everyone who has ever deferred a dream.
“I completed this journey so my family, friends, students, staff, and community know that if I can do it, you can too. Keep working to make your dreams your reality — no matter how long it takes,” she said.
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