Discovery recognizes Quamae Jackson as ‘Staff Member of the Year’

MADISON – Quamae Jackson’s job carries personal importance in his life. Teachers and staff at Discovery Middle School selected Jackson as “Staff Member of the Year” for 2025.

“My inspiration for becoming a para (paraprofessional) is from my son Braxton, who is nonverbal and autistic,” Jackson said. “Many of the tools that I learn from the kids I help daily I use to ensure Braxton lives life to the fullest.”

“I am truly humbled and honored for this recognition,” Jackson said. “Thank you to all my fellow SPED (Special Education) Team and Department and Discovery faculty for this honor. Go, Panthers!”

Jackson has worked for Madison City Schools for five years, starting right after the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020. “I started my career at James Clemens High School in 2020 to 2022 as a paraprofessional working in their SPED unit,” Jackson said. “It was my first experience working with kids in a professional setting.”

Jackson continues to work as a paraprofessional. Since 2023, he has worked at Discovery.

“My philosophy as an aide has always been to teach the kids to be kind and respectful to others and treat them as my own — no matter what challenges they face physically or academically,” Jackson said. “I tend to lean on being fun and easy going when it’s time to have fun but also know when it’s time to work.”

“We use our tools we’re given and know that it’s OK to make mistakes and ask questions when we need help,” Jackson said.

“In the past year in assisting the kids, I have had students email who have moved on to high school and graduated thanking me for my help and wanting to help others as a career of their own,” Jackson said.

Jackson grew up in Fayetteville, Tenn. and graduated from Lincoln County High School in 2009. He and his family now live in Hazel Green.

“I have a lovely wife, Lacey (Harmon) Jackson, who works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Huntsville Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a son, Braxton, who is a student at Hazel Green Elementary School,” Quamae Jackson said.

“An interesting fact about me is that I love to cook. Also, I am a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan,” Jackson said. “My hobbies are cooking, video games, watching sports, drawing and traveling.”