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Clark Elementary School teacher Sherry Jackson has been named a Fulbright Scholar by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which oversees the program’s operations throughout the world.

A native of Selma, Jackson has been a sixth-grade life sciences teacher at Clark since January 2024. She is an Alabama State University alumna and earned her master’s degree in biology from ASU in 2021. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership, policy and law at ASU.

“I am beyond excited, and I am looking forward to leaving on April 3 for Morocco as I begin this great educational adventure within the Fulbright Program experience, where I will work and study in its fabled towns of Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh,” Jackson said. “I have a lot of people to thank for their advice, encouragement and thoughtfulness, chief among them includes all of the leaders, faculty and staff of The Alabama State University…College of Education, and those involved in its prestigious Educational Leadership, Policy and Law doctoral program. They are the kind of educators and individuals that I aspire to be one day.”

Jackson said that she is eager to integrate the international insight she gains through her Fulbright Scholarship experience into her research and to help students both in Alabama and in Morocco.

“I will use this great opportunity presented to me by the Fulbright Scholarship Program to further shape policies that address teacher retention, standardized testing, and equity in education – locally, statewide, nationally and globally – so we may ensure a lasting impact in the field of education and in lifting up our students so they may shine in school and in life,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s selection for the Fulbright Scholars program was based on her educational background and her research in the area of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

During her 12 years in education, Jackson has made an impact on her students in the areas of STEM and robotics. Her accolades include:

• Participation in the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Teachers 2024 summer program at Auburn University.
• Played a pivotal role in Clark’s recognition as a Top 10 Most Improved School.
• Utilized data analysis to assess student performance.
• Led instructional planning to integrate STEM curriculum of her school.
• Led her students in receiving national recognition in STEM-related competitions.

Jackson also is a published author, lecturer and a highly-regarded STEM education advocate. Her book titled “My Struggle to the Call,” which shares her journey of faith and her experiences in education.

Jackson was notified of her selection in a letter from Donna Brazile, the chairwoman of the Fulbright program. The U.S. State Department oversees Fulbright Program operations throughout the world.

“As a Fulbright participant and a representative of the United States, Ms. Jackson will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with international partners in educational, political, cultural, economic, and scientific fields in the North African nation of Morocco,” Brazille stated in her letter. “We also hope that she will engage her local community while on her Fulbright exchange and in so doing, exemplify the qualities of service, leadership, and excellence that have been the hallmarks of this Program since it began decades ago.”