Merlin Jackson
Student advocate, longtime educator in St. Charles Parish
Merlin Jackson has worked tirelessly for the betterment of students for more thn 50 years as an educator and a mentor in St. Charles Parish that so many of his pupils won’t ever forget. Jackson joined the parish’s school system in 1968. He currently serves as a student advocate, among his goals to keep students out of trouble and to intervene when they have done so already – such as getting into fights – by helping them to understand how to not make that same mistake twice. Jackson has also been named to Louisiana’s 4-H Club Hall of Fame. He began as a teacher at Pecan Grove in Destrehan before moving on to St. Rose Elementary School and then Albert Cammon Middle School. Jackson retired from teaching in 2002 before moving into his current role as student advocate.
Seeing their success firsthand
“My favorite part would have to be seeing your students come in, then leave and go on to be great, productive citizens. You see them accomplish great things and establish their own career. Some became teachers themselves. It’s rewarding.”
A guiding light
“(As an advocate) you want to keep the kids out of trouble. When they get into fights, I talk to them, make sure they understand what went wrong and make sure they know to not make that same mistake twice. We help them with their problems.”
Mr. Jackson made such an impact on my life as a young African American child attending St. Rose Elementary in the early seventies. He ensured that children who looked like me understood our heritage and the importance of leaving a legacy. Today, I am a thirty year educator. I carry him into every classroom and school. As an Administrator, I tell my students that my teachers saved me when they did not know that I needed it. I will forever appreciate his work. Thank you Mr. Jackson.