There are people in each of our lives that can play an important role in our lives and help shape us into who we will become. Along with the impact that they have, they also give pieces of advice that stay with us and help us along the way. Scott Jackson teaches Orchestra at Stillwater High School and Stillwater Junior High. He says that a former instructor is someone that has played a big role in his life.
“My first cello instructor at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Evan Tonsing, knew I was aiming to be a music educator,” he recalled. “He shared loads of wonderful insight over the years. One item that sticks with me is that we must remember the individuality of each student as we try to help them all excel. One method of instruction may work fine for most students and be quite an obstacle for others. He compared it to shaping a Bonsai Tree. To paraphrase him, ‘This plant will grow into something wonderful in its own way, and our job is to patiently provide the care it needs. Pay attention and carefully shape it without hindering the way it wants to grow.’”
Scott just started his 23rd year as the instructor of Stillwater High School’s orchestra, which was his first job after graduating from OSU. Along with being the primary instructor for grades ninth through twelfth, he also assists the eighth grade orchestra with his colleague Taylor Weatherwax.
The decision to become an educator was an easy one for Jackson, as he had some outstanding teachers in his life.
“My parents are both educators, and I always enjoyed learning and working within teams of people,” he said. “When it became clear late in high school that I had a lot of interest in music, seeking a music education degree seemed like a good path to take.”
When he is not teaching, Jackson enjoys spending time with his wife, Mary, and their four children. He also enjoys taking trips with his family, attending concerts and musicals in Stillwater or around the area, and playing a round of golf when he can find the time.