Dear GCSS Family,
What began as a part-time substitute teaching job changed my life. I was an undergraduate working to earn some extra money. Becoming an educator was not the plan. But then I met a student who needed someone to see beyond his behavior; someone to see him, to understand his circumstances, and simply believe in his potential. Even on the difficult days, I poured into him because I knew his challenges didn’t erase his possibilities.
That experience stayed with me. It taught me that there is a reason behind what we see, and taking the time to understand someone can change how we respond. It also helped me realize that I had a responsibility to make a difference in my community, and education was how I could do it. I often say that I did not choose education; education chose me. What started as a job became a purpose. That purpose has guided me throughout my career, and it is what I bring to serving as your president. For me, leadership means putting purpose before personal recognition. It means listening, showing up, and doing the work. I am grateful for the opportunity to do that alongside you.
As social studies educators, we teach students to understand the world and their place in it. We challenge them to ask questions, look at different perspectives, and think about how the past connects to the choices we make today. We want them to understand that they have a voice and a responsibility to use it thoughtfully. We also know that this work can be challenging. Sometimes we need a new idea. Sometimes we need someone to help us think through a lesson. And sometimes we simply need to be around people who understand why we care so much about what we teach.
That is why the Georgia Council for the Social Studies matters.
GCSS brings us together to learn from one another, share what is working, and advocate for social studies education. As your president, I look forward to building on the work already underway and helping more educators find connection and support within our organization. My priorities are to increase member involvement, strengthen opportunities for educators to learn from one another, and advocate for social studies education across Georgia. I want to hear what you need from GCSS and work together to turn those ideas into action.
To our Board of Directors, at-large committee members, and the entire GCSS family, thank you. Thank you for your trust and the time you give to this work. Years ago, I walked into a middle school looking for a part-time job and found a purpose I didn’t expect. Today, that purpose continues through the opportunity to serve you.
I look forward to getting to know more of you, learning alongside you, and seeing what we can accomplish together.
With gratitude and a heart for service,
Jasamine Dixon
President, Georgia Council for the Social Studies
