Her Story
About Sharon
Sharon R. Jackson is a distinguished early childhood education professional with more than 50 years of experience spanning leadership, teaching, program development, and advocacy. She retired after a 22-year tenure as Director of Early Education Services in her local school district, following a diverse career that included leadership and teaching roles in military childcare centers, Montessori schools, church preschools, and public and private educational settings. Today, she continues to contribute her expertise to the field as the Owner of Early Essentials, a professional development and leadership consulting business dedicated to supporting childcare directors and strengthening early childhood education leadership.
Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with Early Childhood Certification from Texas State College and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University, where she also pursued doctoral studies in Early Childhood Education. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Head Start Association, the Texas Head Start Association, and the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Among her professional accomplishments, she was recognized for establishing United Way’s Success by Six program, reflecting her commitment to early childhood development and community collaboration.
In addition to leading Early Essentials, Jackson owns a Head Start support partnership focused on professional development and Curating Play, a passion project dedicated to advocating for play-based learning. She attributes her success to her faith, commitment to lifelong learning, passion for serving others, and the steadfast support of her husband of 55 years. Guided by values of compassion, connection, creativity, joy, and service, Jackson remains dedicated to recognizing the worth and potential of every individual and advancing the future of early childhood education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, my passion for serving others, and the unwavering support of my husband of 55 years, whose encouragement has been a constant source of strength throughout every stage of my career. His partnership, combined with my commitment to lifelong learning and my genuine care for children and educators, has inspired me to continue growing, serving, and making a meaningful impact across generations.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to approach every challenge with positivity, purpose, and thoughtful reflection. I believe in the power of the pause taking a moment to reflect before reacting, embracing change with confidence, and remaining open to opportunities to make a meaningful difference. This mindset has helped me navigate challenges, grow throughout my career, and continue making a positive impact on the lives of children, families, and educators.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the early childhood education field is to believe in themselves, approach challenges with optimism, and recognize the profound impact their work can have on the lives of children, families, and future generations. Stay positive, embrace lifelong learning, and remain open to growth and new opportunities. Never underestimate the influence of one caring, dedicated professional who believes that every child matters, because meaningful change often begins with a single person committed to making a difference.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in early childhood education today is developing strong, compassionate leaders who can create high-quality learning environments for children and educators alike. I see tremendous potential in expanding play-based learning, strengthening Head Start programs, and providing practical leadership development for childcare directors and other early childhood professionals. As the field continues to evolve, investing in capable leaders and evidence-based approaches will be essential to ensuring that children receive the strong foundation they need to thrive and that educators are equipped to succeed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, connection, creativity, joy, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I believe in recognizing the worth and potential of every individual and strive to approach others with respect, empathy, and genuine care. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to service, particularly to children, families, and educators, and to creating meaningful connections that encourage growth, purpose, and positive change.
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