Mansfield, LA – DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce that Ms. Anna Jackson, a ninth-grade English I teacher at North DeSoto High School, has been named one of nine finalists for Louisiana New Teacher by the Louisiana Department of Education. This prestigious recognition highlights Ms. Jackson’s outstanding dedication to education and her exceptional contributions to the students of North DeSoto High School in her first year of teaching.
Originally from Shreveport, LA, Ms. Jackson graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. She completed her senior residency year at North DeSoto High School, where she served as a resident English I teacher. Upon completing her residency, she was honored to return to NDHS to take over her mentor teacher’s position.
“NDHS is honored to work alongside Ms. Jackson In her first year. We are so excited for her to receive this well deserved recognition,” said Joseph Saverino, Principal of North DeSoto High School. “Her focus on students is truly a model for what is sought of in a new teacher.”
Ms. Jackson’s impact in the classroom was recognized early on when she was named “Collaboration Superstar” by the master teachers at NDHS within her first month of teaching. Her dedication and commitment to student success earned her the title of North DeSoto High School’s New Teacher of the Year, followed by DeSoto Parish’s New Teacher of the Year, leading to this remarkable state-level recognition.
“Being a first-year teacher is such a challenge, but this is just affirmation that His plan is perfect and that I am right where I should be! I am truly just in shock and awe,” said Jackson upon learning of her finalist status.
Ms. Jackson is committed to fostering a love for learning within her students, striving to create an environment that meets them where they are and encourages their growth. She believes in holding students to professional standards while providing a respectful and welcoming atmosphere where they can thrive academically and personally.
"As someone who knows Anna's "why" and how she ended up in education, she's on a mission to make a difference in students' lives just as her former teachers did for her," said Amanda Tingle, Coordinator of Human Resources, Recruitment, and Retention.
DeSoto Parish Schools congratulates Ms. Jackson on this well-deserved honor and commends her for her dedication to the field of teaching. The district looks forward to celebrating her achievements as she represents North DeSoto High School and DeSoto Parish at the state level.
All semi finalists and finalists will be honored at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 26,2025. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.