School Board Appoints New Principal of Gunston Middle School

At its May 11 meeting, the Arlington School Board appointed Carolyn Jackson as Principal of Gunston Middle School. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Long Branch Elementary School.

Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina A & T State University, a master’s from George Washington University and George Mason University and is currently working on a Doctor of Education from William and Mary.

Jackson has been an educator serving Arlington Public Schools in a variety of roles for 23 years. Throughout her career, she has served in different capacities at Gunston Middle School, including teacher, activities director, Director of Counseling Services and Assistant Principal. Jackson also served as a counselor at Claremont Immersion School, Assistant Principal at Nottingham Elementary School and a Supervisor in the Office of Equity and Excellence.

Jackson is an expert at building relationships with students, family, and staff. She always makes time for students and their families during the day and Jackson understands instruction. She is reflective and uses coaching when working with staff. Along with her commitment to improving student learning, Jackson has demonstrated strong leadership skills by developing consistent school-wide and community programs that support students and their families.

In her role at Long Branch, Jackson provided leadership in program development to include culturally responsive education, crisis and safety management and prevention, instructional coaching and targeted learning for instructional assistants. She provided direction to staff regarding ongoing observation and improvement of educational such as standard based grading, grading for equity, culturally responsive instructional resources and collaborative learning teams.

Her appointment begins July 1.