Jacqueline A. Ferguson

Jacqueline A. Ferguson is a doctoral student in educational leadership and policy studies at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Jacqueline is an educator, SEL coach, district mentor, and facilitator. Jacqueline’s research interest includes the impacts of trauma on the developing brain of public-educated students living in underserved and financially exploited communities, in addition to the intersectional challenges and oppressions faced by Black Womxn educators, its impact, and how leaders can support their development and retention.

A recipient of the 2022 Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award and UP Education Network’s Teacher of the Year: Rookie (’17), Jacqueline is entering her ninth year as an educator in Springfield, Mass. In addition to teaching, Jacqueline has served as the social-emotional and behavioral program lead; principal-appointed teacher-leader; and district chief equity influencer. Jacqueline also served as social-emotional learning coordinator and consultant, curating professional learning communities for a Springfield public high school, three middle schools, AmeriCorps: Springfield College, and Teach for America: Massachusetts.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Jacqueline attended New York City public schools (PreK–12). In 2010, Jacqueline made family history by becoming the first to graduate high school and the first to graduate college from the country’s first degree-granting HBCU, Lincoln University. Jacqueline then went on to obtain her master’s degree in education (BU ’18). Jacqueline also began her educational career as a Greater NYC YMCA after-school counselor and NYC DOE paraprofessional. In 2016, Jacqueline transitioned into teaching with Teach For America Massachusetts.

Jacqueline’s aspirations include becoming a system-level leader and an educational entrepreneur, with a long-term goal of being appointed U.S. Secretary of Education.

pronouns: she/her