Welcome
Thank you for visiting my campaign website.
For more than 51 years, I have had the privilege of serving the students, families, and educators of Miami-Dade County. Education has never been just my profession. It has been my life’s work.
I am running for the Miami-Dade County School Board because District 1 deserves experienced leadership that listens, works with the community, and puts students first. My commitment is to support our educators, strengthen academic achievement, promote safe schools, and ensure families have a voice.
I invite you to learn more about my story, my priorities, and my vision for District 1.
About Joy
Dr. Joy Jackson is a lifelong educator, pastor, community advocate, and servant leader who has spent more than five decades serving the people of Miami-Dade County.
A proud Miami native, Dr. Jackson dedicated 51 years to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. During her career, she taught, mentored, and encouraged generations of students. She also served as a Band Director, helping students develop discipline, confidence, teamwork, and pride in their accomplishments. Her work in education was never limited to the classroom. She worked closely with families, educators, school leaders, and community partners to help students succeed. Education has always been more than a profession for Dr. Jackson. It has been her life’s work. She believes that every child deserves access to a high-quality education, every family deserves to be heard, and every employee deserves to be respected and supported. Dr. Jackson’s leadership extends far beyond her years in the classroom. She has served on the United Teachers of Dade Executive Board for 25 years, held leadership roles with the Florida Education Association for 15 years, and served on the AFL-CIO Executive Board for 20 years. Through these positions, she has advocated for students, educators, fair compensation, strong working conditions, and the future of public education.
She has also served on the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council for 40 years. This experience allowed her to work directly with school leaders, teachers, parents, and community members on issues affecting school improvement and student achievement.
For more than 43 years, Dr. Jackson has served as Pastor of Christian Fellowship Worship Center for All People. Under her leadership, the church has provided food, clothing, tutoring, mentoring, back-to-school support, and assistance to families facing difficult circumstances.
Dr. Jackson also founded You Are Not Alone after seeing how many families of students with special needs felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. She wanted parents to know they did not have to face those challenges by themselves. For more than 35 years, the organization has provided families with encouragement, resources, support, and advocacy.
Her service has been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Florida Education Association Legacy Award, United Teachers of Dade Volunteer of the Year, the American Federation of Teachers Living the Legacy Award, and multiple Teacher of the Year nominations, most recently in 2025.
Dr. Jackson earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Barry University, a Master’s Degree from Florida International University, and a Doctorate in Theology from St. Thomas University.
She is the proud mother of two daughters, Joy and Nikole, grandmother of Jamal and Jordan, and great-grandmother of Jamal III.
Today, Dr. Jackson is running for the Miami-Dade County School Board because she believes District 1 deserves leadership grounded in experience, service, and a real understanding of public education. Her priorities include competitive teacher and staff compensation, academic achievement, school safety, student support, and stronger partnerships between schools, families, employees, and the community.
Dr. Jackson has spent her life serving others. She is ready to bring that same commitment, experience, and leadership to the School Board.
Priorities for District 1
Focused leadership for stronger schools.
Every decision I make as your School Board Member will be guided by one question: “Will this improve opportunities for students while strengthening our public schools?”
My priorities reflect the values that have guided my 51 years of service to Miami-Dade County.
Competitive Teacher and Staff Compensation
Our students succeed when we recruit and retain outstanding educators. I will advocate for competitive compensation, address salary compression, and support policies that value the professionals who serve our students every day.
Academic Excellence and Student Success
Every student deserves access to a high-quality education and the resources needed to succeed. I will support strong instruction, modern technology, instructional materials, academic intervention, mental health services, career and technical education, the arts, and other programs that help every student reach their full potential.
Safe Schools and Student Well-Being
Students and employees deserve schools that are safe, welcoming, and focused on learning. I will support school safety initiatives and student support services that promote a positive learning environment.
Strong Family and Community Partnerships
Student success is strengthened when schools, families, employees, and the community work together. I will promote open communication, meaningful collaboration, and partnerships that support every child.
Responsible Leadership
I will make informed, transparent decisions that put students first, support our employees, respect taxpayers, and ensure resources are invested where they have the greatest impact.
Experience
A proven record of service and leadership.
51 years
Serving Students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools
40 years
Advancing School Improvement through the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC)
35 years
Founder of You Are Not Alone, providing advocacy, resources, and support for families of children with special needs.
25 years
Advocating for Educators through UTD Leadership
Dr. Jackson has also served in leadership roles with the Florida Education Association, the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association.
Proudly Endorsed by Respected Education, Labor, and community & Faith Leaders
Contact Us
Miami Gardens, Florida
admin@runjoyruncampaign.com