Leadership Spotlight: O. Tracey Jackson
ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Director of Pupil Services search for American School of Dubai (ASD) in Dubai, UAE. Congratulations to O. Tracey Jackson for accepting the position, beginning August 2024! Tracey currently serves as the Director of Pupil Services in the Verona Area School District.
Tracey’s previous experiences have taken her to Japan, the USA, and UAE. Through her career, she’s served as Head of Secondary, Assistant Head of School, and Special Education Coordinator. Tracey holds a Bachelor degree from UW Whitewater in Special Education; a Master’s from UW Madison in English as an Additional Language and Curriculum and Instruction; and she will complete her Doctorate in May 2024 from Edgewood College.
In this feature, hear about Tracey’s passion for international education, the grounding values of her education philosophy, and why she’s excited to join the American School of Dubai’s student-centered community.
What inspired you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you to international education specifically?
International education is the perfect combination of my passions. It allows me to help young people grow, explore new places through travel, and bring cultures together in a beautiful celebration of life. It affords me the opportunity to do what I love every day while making a positive impact on the world.
Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can your new community expect?
As an educational leader, my philosophy is grounded in a pledge to uphold love, equity, belonging, high expectations, and servant leadership. I believe in fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and family and creating a supportive learning environment that nurtures the community. My goal is to empower students to reach their full potential by providing an inclusive and welcoming environment that encourages growth and achievement.
Congratulations on your upcoming role at the American School of Dubai! What are you excited about in this new role?
I am beyond thrilled to be joining the ASD staff. Throughout the interview process, I met amazing educators committed to empowering young people. ASD is a leading educational institution that is student-centered. I am full of joy!
What was your experience with ISS Leadership Search like?
Working with ISS has been a fantastic experience. The ISS consultants, characterized by kindness, patience, and honesty, provided invaluable feedback. Dr. Nadine, in particular, offered constructive advice on enhancing my skill set and effectively presenting my talents and experiences. Her dedication is evident in ensuring a successful partnership between the school and candidates, benefiting all students. Collaborating with the entire ISS team throughout this incredible journey has been a pleasure.
Thank you to Tracey for sharing these insights and reflections! Excited to see her leadership make a positive impact on the students, staff, and community at ASD. We’re wishing the best to Tracey, her husband Ahmed, and their two pets Roy and Peanut in the transition to the UAE ahead!
If you’re interested in pursuing a school leadership position, please check out our current leadership searches or get in touch with the ISS Leadership Search Team.
