Media Center
"Reading is a passport to countless adventures, a gateway to new worlds, and a key to understanding ourselves and others."
Meet the Academy Media Center Team
Dr. Arndra Jackson
Dr. Arndra Jackson is a multifaceted individual with a passion for education, business, creativity, and adventure. Born and raised in a small country town of Reynolds, Georgia with humble beginnings, I learned about God, the value of hard work, determination, and resilience from an early age. I am driven by purpose and possibility. God is central to my life, and I have dedicated over a decade to serving as the Youth Pastor and Director at my church. My favorite scriptures are Psalm 91 and Isaiah 40:4-5. I have been married to Leon Jackson for 23 years, who is blessed with two successful businesses. I am a proud mother to Breondra Pound, 29, an entrepreneur, and Damorian Jackson, 22. Additionally, I am delighted to be a grandmother to Zuri Nariah Pound, age 7.
Education has always been a cornerstone of my life. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from The Fort Valley State University, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree from Albany State University. Determined to further my academic pursuits, I obtained a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and Lambda Kapp Mu Sorority, Inc. (LKM), community service is deeply ingrained in my values, allowing me to give back and make a positive impact.
With over 20 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of teaching both online and ground classes for technical and career colleges. As a MOS certified instructor in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, I have empowered countless students with essential skills for success in
the modern workforce. Furthermore, I have served as a CTAE educator in the Bibb County School District for the past 8 years, instructing students in grades 9-12 at SOAR Academy and has been acting in a Media Specialist role for the last 4 years for both SOAR and VIP Academy.
These institutions specialize in alternative schooling and personalized learning approaches. I achieved the Teacher of the Year award at SOAR Academy in 2021 amidst the pandemic, while also fulfilling roles as a mentor for new CTAE teachers and providing guidance to students pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
In addition to my dedication to education, I am also an entrepreneur and business owner of Know 'Bout It, LLC, (KBI) where we leverage our expertise in
management, marketing, organization, customer service, creativity, financial literacy, fashion, and style to drive success in various ventures. KBI educates and communicates innovatively through artistic designs by providing quality products and information for all consumers. KBI’s vision is to become leaders in promoting communication and social awareness about the humanity of people around the world.
Currently, I am expanding my horizons by pursuing a real estate license and writing a book titled Changing Lenses. I am a lifelong learner, a dedicated educator, a savvy entrepreneur, and a passionate individual driven by purpose and possibility. With each endeavor, I strive to make a difference,
leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration and empowerment wherever I go.
Dericca Gail
Dericca Gail is originally from southeast and southwest Georgia. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Clara Sheffield and James “Bro” Gail. She is the oldest siblings of two brothers and the stepdaughter of Otis Brooks Sheffield, and Auntie to Camora, Leighanna, Na-Na, and Ava. Dericca graduated from Bainbridge High School and continued her education at The Unsinkable Albany State University, where she majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science. After working for the Department of Criminal Justice for one and a half years, she felt like she was not making a meaningful, positive, and impactful experience for the young people she served. At that moment she knew her purpose was to become an educator, one who develops the skills of empathetic, listening, and communication. These skills have been developing for over 20 years now! As the song lyrics go, “I get it from my Mama!"
In her experience of being an educator, she have been trained in restorative practices, social and emotional learning, and teaching the whole child. She has traveled all over the United States presenting the importance of the social well-being of adults and children. While encouraging participants to promote a positive environment for all no matter how uncomfortable a situation may be, there is always room for understanding. She has always been a collector of sneakers and t-shirts. When Dr. Jackson kept saying “Know 'Bout It,” the quote struck a chord! It opens one to start a conversation and open communication lines between people that may not necessarily talk to each other. Fashion that is conscious, meaningful, and that aims to bridge gaps between humanity is what our brand promotes. As Nat Turner stated ~” Good Communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”