Gina Jackson is a dedicated educator and mentor who has spent her career at La Porte High School inspiring students both in the classroom and beyond. With a background as a Spanish teacher, Jackson has a passion for helping students embrace diverse cultures and discover new perspectives. She now serves as the site liaison for Slicer Champions, a mentorship program supporting students facing academic and personal challenges.
Guided by her Hispanic heritage and a deep commitment to making a difference, Jackson is known for her caring and genuine approach, treating each student as part of her extended family and encouraging them to overcome obstacles and pursue their potential.
“The students kind of become your children,” she said. “You’re always going to want to follow them and see what they’re doing, even after they’ve left the classroom.”
Jackson’s career path to education began with a desire to reconnect with her heritage. Although she grew up in a Hispanic family, the Spanish language and many cultural practices were lost over generations. Her grandparents, who were originally from Spain and Mexico, were encouraged to speak only English once they arrived in the United States (U.S.).
“My great-grandparents came from Spain and Mexico,” she said. “Sadly, when my grandfather was born, his family told him, ‘We live in America now, and we need to learn English,’ so a lot of our language and culture was lost.”
It was this loss that inspired her to reconnect and reclaim that heritage through becoming a teacher. Teaching Spanish became a way to pass on her knowledge to students all while reconnecting with a part of herself. Her classroom became a space where students were encouraged to embrace diverse cultures.
Through journeys to Spain and Costa Rica, Jackson introduced her students to new perspectives, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and experience all the different languages, foods, and traditions firsthand. These trips were transformative, sparking curiosity and enabling a deeper appreciation for the Spanish language and Hispanic culture.
Jackson watched her students grow more confident and open-minded, gaining insights that extended beyond the classroom. For many students, it was their first experience outside the U.S., broadening their view of the world and often igniting a lifelong interest in travel and cultural exploration.
“For a lot of students, going to Spain or Costa Rica opened their eyes to the world beyond their town,” she said.
These trips provided a foundation for her students to see life from new perspectives, something she believes is crucial in an increasingly interconnected world.
While Jackson loved her role as an educator, the decision to leave teaching came when her family became a priority. However, stepping away from the classroom didn’t mean stepping away from her students. Instead, it led her to Slicer Champions, where she could continue supporting students in a new way. In her current role, Jackson sees herself as an educator with a different approach.
“I stepped away from teaching to focus on my family, but I always knew I wanted to work with kids,” she said. “When I heard about Slicer Champions, it sounded amazing, being able to serve kids from a mentor’s perspective is another way I can be there for them.”
Her role as site liaison involves working closely with students who may be struggling academically, emotionally, or behaviorally. She helps guide them toward realistic goals and keeps track of their progress, ensuring they have a steady support system at school.
The structure of the Slicer Champions program allows students to be referred by friends, teachers, counselors, or even their parents, creating an inclusive space for anyone who needs guidance. Jackson also believes that to be a good mentor, it’s important to be genuine.
“Kids can sense if you really care or if you’re just going through the motions,” Jackson said. “When you show up consistently, ask how they’re doing, and genuinely invest in them, they trust you.”
Jackson believes mental health is an essential component of well-being, and she incorporates it into her mentorship approach.
“It’s so important to have a mental health goal, just like you would a physical health goal,” she said.
Though Jackson is dedicated to her role, she is also mindful of the emotional toll mentorship can take. While she occasionally finds herself praying for students at night, she strives to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
“I try not to carry too much home, but I’m always thinking about my students,” she said.
Looking ahead, Jackson hopes to see Slicer Champions continue to grow, allowing even more students to benefit from the program’s support and resources. She believes that mentorship is an invaluable tool that can make a lasting difference in a student’s life.
“If adults in the community see how important it is to be a solid support system for youth, it could honestly change the course of that child's future,” she said.
Jackson has had a passion-filled journey, from a Spanish teacher to an advocate and a mentor for students in need. Her influence continues to reach beyond academics and into the hearts of the youth in La Porte who need it most. Through her commitment to mentorship, she reminds others that supporting students isn’t just about academic success; it’s about helping them build resilience, find their identity, and navigate life’s challenges with someone they trust by their side.