Sharon R. Jackson turns five decades in early childhood education into leadership and advocacy

Sharon R. Jackson, PhD, is using more than 50 years in early childhood education to support childcare directors, strengthen Head Start programs, and promote play-based learning. Her current work spans Early Childhood Collective, Curating Play, and conference presentations aimed at helping educators lead better classrooms and programs.

Why it matters: - Sharon R. Jackson’s career shows how long-term leadership in early childhood education can shape classrooms, programs, and professional development across generations. - Her current work focuses on practical support for childcare directors, stronger Head Start programs, and play-based learning. - More information about Sharon R. Jackson

What happened: - Sharon R. Jackson, PhD, was profiled for more than 50 years of work in early childhood education, including leadership, teaching, program development, and advocacy. - Jackson is the co-founder of Early Childhood Collective, a professional development and leadership consulting business. - Early Childhood Collective works to support childcare directors, strengthen early childhood education leadership, and build partnerships around professional development. - Jackson is also a lead contributor and partner in Curating Play, a project focused on advocating for play-based learning.

The details: - Jackson’s background includes leadership and teaching roles in military childcare centers, Montessori schools, faith-based preschools, and public and private educational settings. - She served 22 years as Director of Early Education Services in her local school district before retiring from that role. - Jackson was recognized for establishing United Way’s Success by Six program. - She also volunteered with the Success by Six program for several years after helping launch it. - Jackson served as president of ChildreNinos, a community organization that supported childcare programs and family childcare homes through professional development. - She currently serves on the leadership team of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children-Brazos Valley Chapter. - Jackson recently retired from the Board of the Texas Association of Administrators and Supervisors of Programs for Young Children. - Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with Early Childhood Certification from North Texas State University. - She earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Midwestern State University. - Jackson completed doctoral studies in Early Childhood Education at Texas A&M University in 2019. - 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. - Jackson also teaches Blinn College classes, including Educating Young Children and a Practicum for Child Care Providers.

Between the lines: - Jackson’s work points to a broader need in early childhood education for experienced leaders who can coach directors, support teachers, and translate theory into daily practice. - Her emphasis on play-based learning and Head Start suggests a view that strong early learning systems depend on both evidence-based methods and leadership development. - Jackson’s repeated focus on reflection, positivity, and what she calls “the power of the pause” frames leadership as a discipline built on self-management as much as technical skill. - Her continued classroom involvement shows an effort to stay connected to day-to-day teaching while working in broader leadership and advocacy roles.

What's next: - Jackson plans to keep presenting at conferences and sharing strategies for resilient, supported leadership. - She continues to work with teachers on practical approaches to talking, thinking, and language development in young children. - Jackson sees opportunities ahead in expanding play-based learning, strengthening Head Start programs, and investing in leadership development for early childhood professionals. - She says the field needs strong, compassionate leaders who can create high-quality learning environments for both children and educators.

The bottom line: - After five decades in the field, Sharon R. Jackson remains focused on one goal: helping children thrive by supporting the educators and leaders around them.