EDUCATION
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Verrado teacher shares her love of math with students V ETERAN MATH TEACHER CAMILLE JACKSON HAS SPENT MORE THAN A DECADE HELPING Verrado High School students find confidence in the subject many fear most. After 11 years with the Agua Fria High School District, she’s known on campus for turning confusion into a-ha moments and for reminding students every day is a chance to start fresh. For Jackson, math can teach students an invaluable life lesson: Every problem has a solution.
give me the answer, she challenges me to find it.” That’s exactly what I try to do. Students already have the intuition; I just help them uncover it, because they won’t always have someone there to guide them through uncertainty. What makes Verrado High School special? I love our three-wall classrooms. They allow teachers to collaborate across the halls and apply what we hear in other classes to our own lessons. The entire campus really becomes one big classroom. What do you enjoy most about working with high school students? The conversations. I enjoy talking with students about their past, present and future; encouraging them to take risks, learn from mistakes and know it’s OK to be uncomfortable. What’s one memory from your career that has stayed with you? A student once told me to keep calling on him during class because it helped him stay focused and understand concepts better. That honesty meant a lot to me. It showed he trusted that I was pushing him for the right reasons.
What inspired you to become a teacher? While working as a manager at Home Depot, I noticed many cashiers struggled to count back change. I thought that was a basic skill, and it made me realize I could help others understand math better. That’s what led me into education. I’ve been teaching at Verrado High School since 2014. What subject do you teach, and what do you enjoy most about it? I currently teach Algebra II. I love watching students make connections and get excited when they can explain a concept that once felt impossible to them. Seeing that growth and confidence is the best part of teaching. What do you hope students take away from your classroom beyond academics? I want students to know I care about them as people — not just as math students. My classroom is a space where they’re supported as individuals. How would your students describe your teaching style? One of my students once said, “She doesn’t just
them even when they made mistakes. Every moment is a new opportunity to reset and try again. What teacher inspired you, and how did they shape your approach? My Algebra II teacher, Mrs. Green, at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe. She was stern but always willing to help. I try to bring that same balance of high expectations and support to my own classroom.
How do you keep students engaged and motivated in today’s fast-changing world? I remind them high school provides the foundation — the basics. Once they leave, they’ll get to explore what truly interests them. The world gives you options; don’t limit yourself. What impact do you hope to have on your students’ futures? I hope they remember someone cared about
Are there any school programs or events you’re especially proud to support? All of them — from fundraisers to senior nights to teacher appreciation events. I do my best to show up and support the whole school community.
CAMILLE JACKSON
Age: 58 Residence: Tolleson
Years with Verrado High School: 11 Alma mater: Arizona State University Master of Education: University of Phoenix
InBuckeye.com | November 2025
November 2025 | InBuckeye.com
22
23
Powered by FlippingBook