For nearly 20 years, Mr. Monte Jackson has been a staple of the Durango High School community, leaving a lasting impact on countless students through his work as an Anatomy teacher. As he prepares for retirement, it’s hard to imagine DHS without the familiar face and infectious energy of Mr. Jackson.

Throughout his two decades of teaching, Mr. Jackson has been much more than an educator; he’s been a mentor, a motivator, and a friend to many. His unique teaching style, filled with humor and creative memory tricks, has helped students learn and truly retain the material. “I always thought that science was super cool but I never really had any good science teachers in school, and I thought that if someone took the time to make this fun, it would be pretty cool, so I thought that I might give it a try,” Mr. Jackson explained. Whether it’s through his hilarious phrases or funny ways of remembering anatomical terms, Mr. Jackson makes even the toughest topics fun and memorable.

Mr. Jackson’s classroom has become a place of remembrance for many of his students. From handprints and kind words on the walls to senior photos and drawings left on ceiling tiles, his room has become a living testament to the positive impact he’s had on generations of Durango students. “It means the world to me that they want to be a part of my world and my future,” he said, referring to the mementos left by past students. “Some of these students were from years ago, and yet I can still look up here and see them and immediately see their faces. It brings back memories, so it’s kind of like my own photo album to remember the students I’ve had.”

As the end of this school year draws near, the reality of Mr. Jackson’s retirement is setting in. With just a few months left before he steps into a well-deserved retirement, he’s slowly starting to take down the memories that fill his classroom. “I hope whoever gets this classroom next keeps the handprints and words of the students and even adds on to them,” he said, expressing his desire for future students to continue building upon his legacy.

Former student Shayla Walker, a 2014 graduate, recalls how Mr. Jackson’s influence extended far beyond the classroom: “As someone who struggled with knowing how to study or excel in high school, Mr. Jackson took the time to show me specifically how to study to be successful and taught techniques when he saw I was struggling. I was able to use these skills all the way through college and still use them in my profession today.” She added, “Jackson gave me the courage and the belief in myself that I could pursue and excel in whatever path I took. Without him, I’m sure I would have not had the confidence going into college that I did.”

Reflecting on what he will miss most, Mr. Jackson said, “The students and the relationships, you guys.” He has not only shaped minds but also helped students grow in confidence and self-expression. “In many classes, I stayed quiet and was afraid to answer any questions or speak up,” said Shayla. “Jackson gave all students a safe space in his class to be themselves, unapologetically, and helped me to become more comfortable in who I was. He wasn’t just a teacher, he was a friend and a role model.”

As he prepares to close this chapter of his life, Mr. Jackson’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all the students he’s touched. His passion for teaching, his genuine care for his students, and his unforgettable sense of humor will never be forgotten. “You truly made a difference in the lives of many students,” Shayla reflected. “I am forever grateful for everything you taught me about life, and myself. Thank you for being a caring teacher and creating a place I felt safe in.”

Thank you, Mr. Jackson, for everything—your impact will never fade.