Jackson Public Schools has appointed Dr. Janet Wallace as Director of Talent Management & Development. In this role, she will lead districtwide efforts focused on employee development, engagement, support, and retention while overseeing teacher support programs, workforce partnerships, employee experience initiatives, and talent development strategies.

Dr. Wallace brings more than a decade of experience in education and workforce development. Most recently, she served as Manager of Teacher Support & Retention, leading initiatives to strengthen the educator experience through recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, professional learning, and retention efforts. Her work has focused on developing support systems for educators, analyzing employee feedback, and building partnerships that strengthen pathways into the profession.

Dr. Wallace joined the district in 2011 as a fifth-grade teacher at Davis/Obama Magnet Elementary School. She later served as a teacher leader and interventionist before joining the Office of Teaching and Learning where she began developing the district's new teacher induction program.

Throughout her career with JPS, Dr. Wallace has helped shape key programs that support educator success, including the JPS Mentor Program, New Teacher Academy, and the Teach JPS Student Teacher Scholarship Program. She has also strengthened partnerships with colleges and universities, helping cultivate a pipeline of future educators for the district.

Dr. Wallace earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Jackson State University, a Master of Science in Mathematics and Science Education from Walden University, and both an Education Specialist degree and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Mississippi Christian University. She serves on the Teacher Education Advisory Council and the Experiential Learning Partnership Council for Tougaloo College, and the Professional Education Advisory Council for Mississippi Christian University.

In 2025-2026, Dr. Wallace was named Jackson Public Schools District Leader of the Year, recognizing her commitment to supporting educators, advancing innovation, and strengthening opportunities for students and staff across the district.