Biography

Ms. Johnson previously served as an assistant principal at Quitman County Elementary in the Quitman County School District. She began her career in 2008 as a 3rd-grade teacher at James C. Rosser Elementary School in Moorehead, Mississippi. She helped students improve two grade levels in reading and math in eight months of instruction. She also developed and implemented a math remediation curriculum that resulted in a 70% passing rate on end-of-year assessments among the 41 students she served.

After moving to Quitman County Elementary, she was entrusted with facilitating schoolwide professional development on math best practices and differentiated instruction. Her efforts led to 93% of 3rd and 4th grade scholars in Transition-Accelerated classes scoring Proficient or Advanced on state-mandated assessments. As she moved up from math coach to assistant principal, she gained experience implementing the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Program for Quitman County Elementary. Over the course of her career, she has elevated the profession through her involvement in Teach for America.

Ms. Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and African American Studies from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York, and a Specialist in Education for Curriculum and Instruction from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Biography

Mr. Jarett Benson is thrilled to join the Pecan Park Elementary School family as the Interim Principal. Mr. Benson has worked in the Jackson Public School District for the last seven years. He holds a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Jackson State University and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. His career in education began as an Instructional Assistant at George Elementary School. He later became a fourth grade teacher at George Elementary, fifth grade teacher at Walton Elementary, and recently served as Lead Teacher/Instructional Coach at Galloway Elementary. 

Mr. Benson is committed to building relationships and creating a safe, strong learning environment for scholars and teachers. He is a product of the Jackson Public School District and is grateful to be part of the same educational community that molded him to become the educator he is today. He is eager to serve Pecan Park/ Johnson and work collaboratively with its staff, families and the community to create lifelong learners.