Jackie Doherty (Class of 2008)

Jackie Doherty is running for her forth term in Lowell's School Committee, where she currently serves as Vice-Chair. 

Jackie graduated from our first Emerge Massachusetts class in 2008.  Although she already held an elected position when she started Emerge, Jackie said she joined because "I was so frustrated by the negative energy in the political system here in the city, I wasn't feeling a lot of support in my efforts and it was starting to make me feel somewhat isolated and worn down."  As she had hoped, Emerge provided Jackie with access to local politicians who similarly prioritized education in their various positions.  "Meeting others who shared my political goals gave me the impetus to continue my work," she said.

Public schools in Jackie's district are extremely diverse, both culturally and socioeconomically, which create varying challenges regarding comprehensive instruction.  Lowell High School is actually the second largest high school in Massachusetts, with nearly 4,000 students.  As a member of the Committee, Jackie's primary goal continues to be improving the quality of education, for students at all achievement levels, narrowing existing gaps and staying conscious of budgetary concerns.  In this current economic climate, Jackie believes it is a crucial time to focus on education and consider how to work with limited resources to continue improving schools. "We have a responsibility to meet each child, wherever they are academically, and engage them on each level."

Jackie also serves as chair of the Urban Division of the Mass. Association of School Committees (MASC). She has been an executive board member of the Lowell Citywide Parent Council since 1998, serving as chair in 2003. She is a member of the Friends of Lowell High School, the City Manager's Anti-Gang Task Force, and the UMass Lowell Community-University Advisory Board. Jackie also served on the board of Lowell Telecommunications Corporation.

With a master of fine arts degree from Emerson College, Jackie has taught at the college level for 12 years and has done communications work for non-profit, educational, and business organizations.  Jackie also shares her thoughts on education excellence and social justice on her blog:www.jackiedoherty.org.