Fluco Feature: Jay’von Jackson

If you enjoy basketball, educating young minds, and a really cool set of sneakers, then you may have a lot in common with Boys Basketball Assistant Coach Jay’von Jackson.

Jackson grew up in Louisa, Virginia. “I started college by going to Hampden-Sydney College to play football after my freshman year. I then transferred to Old Dominion University to focus on my education,” said Jackson.

“I haven’t always been a teacher, but I’ve always worked in child care. I’ve been a summer camp counselor, a recreational aide for Park & Rec, and a basketball skills trainer [as well as] an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball coach,” he said. Now, Jackson is a physical education (PE) teacher at FCHS.

Has Jackson always wanted to be a teacher? “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher since I can remember, mainly because I get to keep the same schedule I’ve been on my whole life, but also because I enjoy being a leader and a role model to my students,” he said.

It might surprise students that as a PE teacher there are certain things that you have to plan and be prepared for. This is particularly true when there is more than one class in the gym, as it increases the possibility of injuries. “A PE teacher teaches students the skills, rules, and procedures of various sports. We also teach and explain how lifelong physical activity benefits overall health in the body, mind, and spirit. We also teach cooperative games that involve skills such as trust and teamwork,” he added.

Jackson said that the hardest thing about being a PE teacher during a pandemic was not being able to use certain equipment and not being able to do certain activities because of social distancing, or because interacting with others might make some students feel uncomfortable.

When he’s not teaching, Jackson serves as a coach at the high school. “I am an assistant coach for the boys’ varsity basketball team and I love it. I appreciate [boys basketball] Coach Heath Bralley and [Athletic Director] Scott Morris for giving me an opportunity to do what I love,” Jackson said.

Something that might surprise students to know about Jackson is that he is a “huge anime fan. I spend some weekends just binge-watching new anime shows. Another thing about me that might surprise students is that I’m a sneaker collector. I own over 45 pairs of Jordans, Yeezys, and Nikes,” Jackson added.

When he’s not at school, Jackson says, “I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, attending sporting events and concerts, and shopping for new shoes to add to my collection.”