Children's school director retires after 21 years

Although she has officially retired, Ellen Jackson will retain her position until a replacement is found, possibly in December.

by Julie Shal/is news editor

Nestled in a quiet area surrounded by trees and gardens is The Children's School of Cabrini College. Sitting in a room with floral couches and sunlight beaming through the windows is Ellen Jackson, director of the Children's School.

Jackson retired on Aug. 14, 1998, but is still working until the school finds a replacement. This will most likely happen by December.

Jackson went to Bucknell University where she received her BA in elementary education. After that, she became certified in early childhood education at Cabrini College. Finally, she received her MA in counseling psychology at Immaculata College.

She started working at the Chiidren' s School in 1977, where she worked as a part-time teacher. Four years later, she became director.

She believes in her work and what she does. She feels that her job required her to be respectful of child development and to let the children learn through concrete experience. "We need to foster that model to follow it," Jackson said.

As director, she needed to stay current with early childhood education. Not only should the director be up-to-date, but the staff should also be aware of the current issues and thinking.

One of the difficult jobs she has had is integrating the programs with the college. "When we moved off-campus, it was challenging to have students come," Jackson said.

Jackson wanted to see the school fulfill its mission with the college. Though the Children's School is not located on campus, the two are still connected. The psychology and sociology department both have visited the school. There are work-study students who attend the school everyday, along with field experience .students and one or two seniors who student teach.

Not only are the education students involved, but also students from gym classes come and teach the children fitness. A literature art class comes to do a puppet show as well.

The idea of what they do at the Children's School is consistent to what the theory at the college represents, according to Jackson. Although Jackson will be leaving as director soon, her memories of the school will never cease.

"I have discovered how special this place is," Jackson said.

"There was something so captivating when I first came here."

When she has met parents who have told her they have looked all over for a school for their children and the Children's School is what they want, she can relate.

"It's amazing, but I understand what they're saying," she said.

These children have unfolded rather than have been pushed to learn, according to Jackson. They have learned how to respect.

As of now there are applicants for an interim director. They are conducting a program review board in terms of leadership and how the school should be functioned. This all should be accomplished by the end of the semester, according to Jackson.

"I hope the next director will love the school," Jackson said. "The staff is extraordinary, gifted people and there are great parents and wonderful kids. I will miss the people very much."