Her Story
About Carrie
Carrie Jackson serves as campus principal of Allen High School in Allen, Texas, the largest high school in the state with approximately 7,000 students. With 32 years in education, she began as a middle school English teacher for six years, followed by five years as a vice principal in Irving ISD. She then spent 12 years as a middle school principal in Keller ISD, including opening Timberview Middle School, before leading Northwest High School in Northwest ISD. Jackson holds a master's degree and has served in leadership roles with the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, including as president, and the National Principals Association. In 2014 she was named the first female National Digital Principal of the Year. She attributes her success to a strong spiritual foundation and remaining her authentic self while mentoring and growing other leaders.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carrie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes first and foremost from my faith, knowing I was created with a purpose and have value to impact others. Second is being my real genuine self, which allows people to buy into what I'm trying to help them do because they know I'm authentic and here to add value.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received and given is just be yourself. Bring your own unique perspective and approach. When you're truly your authentic self, you connect better with people and they buy into what you're trying to help them know and understand.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are political opposition in our state and nationally, and funding issues fueled by political divisiveness. Mandates that are not funded add to the weight, making it daunting to support teachers with salaries and students with needed resources.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
A very strong spiritual foundation is most important. Knowing I was created uniquely and for a purpose, equipped with valuable skills. I live out my faith by helping students and others understand they have a purpose and can leverage their unique gifts to make a positive impact, all grounded in personal faith.
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