My name is Laura Stout and I’m the principal of Jackson Middle School. I’m happily married to Brian Stout and have four beautiful children. I have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas in Fine Arts (’97), a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in government from The University of Texas at Brownsville (’99), a Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (’00). I am currently working on a doctorate in Educational Leadership through Dallas Baptist University and hope to finish my dissertation in May of 2013. I’m certified as an Art Teacher in grades 6-12, ESL/Bilingual Classroom Teacher in grades 6-12, Counselor in grades PK-12, Principal in grades EC-12, and Superintendent in grades EC-12. In my professional K-12 career experience I’ve taught art and history at Harlingen CISD at KEYS Academy High School. I was a counselor and assistant principal with Irving ISD at Bowie, De Zavala and Crockett Middle Schools, and was an assistant principal at Coppell ISD at Coppell High School. I moved to Grand Prairie to be an assistant principal at Jackson Middle School in the fall of 2010 and started my first Principalship in the fall of 2011 at Jackson. I’ve gained an array of valuable experience from working in various school districts. I’ve brought the very best ideas with me to Jackson Middle School. I like to have fun and try to make coming to school a fun experience for students and staff. I’m also a very traditional person and started some fun traditions at Jackson, including homecoming week, complete with tailgating, garters, mums and a homecoming dance. We have jersey day for our 8th football teams to pick a teacher to wear their jersey. We have “pies for teachers from parents” one day during homecoming week when parents send pies or drop pies off throughout the day. We have awards ceremonies and other celebration days because that is one thing we like to do for sure –to celebrate wins and accomplishments! I do hold students to high standards and expect for them to complete homework, study for tests and read on a regular basis. I believe that practice makes perfect and when we practice for football or math, we improve. I hope for your support in all of our programs for student improvement. I look forward to getting to know our Jackson Eagles and their parents.
