During the spring season, Canterbury welcomed a new Head of School for the 2020-2021 school year. Mr. William “David” Jackson, and his wife, Dr. Generosa Jackson, officially joined the Canterbury community this summer on July 1.

Jackson attended the University of Florida, where he received his bachelor’s degree in History, Classics, and Political Science and a master’s degree in Latin. After beginning his career in teaching, Jackson shifted into administrative roles, eventually leading him to Canterbury. 

Early on in his exposure to Canterbury, Jackson noticed something special about the school. “What stuck out to me the most when I visited the school initially was the sense of family,” Jackson said. Furthermore, Jackson appreciates the sense of community with alumni and even the founders, and appreciates that many of the founders, past alumni, and student’s families are involved in the school.

As the school year continues, one of the aspects that Jackson would like to focus on getting back to the core of the school and education by supporting students and building positive relationships.

Although this school year has begun differently than any other school year in the past, Jackson has strived to turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth within Canterbury while maintaining the esteemed education of the school. While this is certainly a daunting challenge, Jackson has been working to ensure that Canterbury students, in person or online, are receiving the best education possible by working with administration to find new ways to improve virtual learning. Jackson also worked extensively over the summer to hire new faculty, and dedicated significant planning to preparing the school facilities and faculty for a year unlike any other. 

In the long term, Jackson wants to focus on building extracurricular activity, raising awareness for and acting to confront mental health issues, and growing Canterbury school. He notes his plans for the future, expressing his desires to grow enrollment and curriculum.

Jackson notes that many changes due to the coronavirus pandemic will change his role slightly.  “I think that the biggest challenge with COVID-19 is not being able to assemble in groups, Jackson said. “One of the things I’ve always loved about being a school administrator is standing up in front of people, talking and engaging with the whole student body.”

While missing this aspect of school, Jackson has improvised and has gotten to know the student body by greeting students in the morning and during passing periods. He has also given a Zoom-based chapel to encourage and give bits of wisdom to Canterbury School.

Above all, however, Jackson would like to focus on growing together as a Canterbury community. While this year looks vastly different from years past, Jackson aims to grow the feeling of fellowship among students and faculty, a strong motivation during a challenging year. 

The Canterbury community is enthusiastic about the greater emphasis on mental health, a dedication to extracurricular growth, and a can-do approach to current challenges that Jackson brings to the table, and is excited to welcome him to the school.