Aja Jackson

Welcome to MindUteach!  We're all about  sharing learning & leadership through human connection, research-based practices and collaboration and we love sprinkling a little fun along the way!

My name is Aja Jackson, and I'm passionate about [transformative] learning!  I began my career and love for service as an out-of-school-time practitioner for a Boston-based non-profit/public health institution.  Working with youth and local community leaders inspired me to want to step into the classroom, although it required some pushing.  😅

I'm proud to exclaim that I've been  been in the "classroom" for over 25 years!

After obtaining my Master's degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy (Individualized) from Harvard Graduate School of Education, I was called to teach middle school social studies.  Being a founding teacher at an innovative pilot school in an underserved community was such a profound experience for me.  I learned with an exceptional and diverse cohort of colleagues.  I developed such skills as curriculum development for diverse learners  (project-based learning), strategic innovation through technology-based learning at a time when 1:1 laptops in classrooms weren't the norm.  I am most proud of my early training in collaborative leadership methodologies that center authenticity, capacity building & equity.   I am grateful to have been coached and  trained through through the "small school movement" era, the best time to be a novice teacher!   

We all know that good teachers become leaders very quickly. Thus,  my school principal, at the time, recognized my leadership potential, even when I didn't.  She gently provided space and opportunities for leadership growth as a teacher, mentor and instructional coach.     

Because of my dynamic on-the-job leadership training and growing passion for facilitating learning,  I transitioned to becoming a District Instructional Coach, University [Adjunct] Professor & teacher leadership coach with on-the-job- training for over 15 years!  

Throughout my career,   I have expanded my vision and approach for re-imagining education.  However, some of my core values remain:  

• Building Safety & Trust: Cultivating safe spaces for students, colleagues and the surrounding community lead to brave spaces, especially within the complexities of our current social/global landscape.  
• Authentic Collaboration means that we must invest in building communities where bias is addressed, and teams have a shared language, and a clear vision for the work ahead.  
• Empathy & Self Awareness lead to transformative learning.  People who show up for themselves and for the sake of the community, will always be willing to learn and grow.  

We take an Inquiry Stance

At MindUteach, we believe in asking the engaging questions: "What if?" & "What are the implications for my practice?" Taking an inquiry stance not only expands thinking but doing so, leads to transformative outcomes "for the culture". 

What else? 

When I'm not busy empowering others, and being a lead learner, I enjoy the "phenomena" of motherhood and traveling the world, to explore new cultures.   As a "foodie",  I have a passion for cooking and eating (you have to check out my latest creations on Tik Tok! I am also an avid lover of the arts, especially music!  

Remember, personal growth doesn't have to be all serious business! Fun is always infused in the process. So, buckle up, embrace the adventure, and let's create a life that's filled with growth, joy, and plenty of laughter and good vibes along the way!