Latonya Jackson, principal at Haywood High School, received the African American Conference Outstanding Leadership Award from the University of Tennessee at Martin’s WestStar Leadership Program during its annual African American Leadership Conference held April 26.

Jackson has taught seventh-grade English and science in Tipton County, served as school counselor for Brighton Middle School, and held the posts of assistant principal and principal at Ripley Middle School. She became principal at Haywood High School in the spring of 2018.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree with a focus in school counseling from the University of West Alabama and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. The African American Conference Outstanding Leadership Award is given annually to an individual who has made a positive impact in his or her city or county during the past year. Potential candidates are nominated by current conference committee members and must have strong records of leadership in West Tennessee during the past five years.

Article courtesy of Erin Chestnut, UT Martin