Dr. James E. Jackson, III is a native of St. Petersburg, FL, and a proud product of Pinellas County Schools, graduating from Dixie M. Hollins High School (now Hollins High School) in 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History from South Carolina State University in 2010, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in American History from American Public University in 2018, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from National University in 2024.

Dr. Jackson is certified by the Florida Department of Education in 6–12 Social Sciences and taught for Pinellas County Schools for 15 years at Azalea Middle School (2010–13), Oak Grove Middle School (2013–20), and Lakewood Senior High School (2020–25). He also served as the Leadership Programs Specialist for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, where he managed and facilitated three leadership programs, supported recruitment initiatives with local high schools, and collaborated with community partners to provide meaningful leadership development experiences for youth.

In addition to his K–12 classroom experience, Dr. Jackson formerly worked for K12 Florida (a Stride, Inc. subsidiary) as a Test Administrator, supporting statewide virtual education and assessment operations. He currently serves as a certified social studies teacher for AMIkids Manatee, where he teaches World Civilizations, Civics, U.S. History, and World Cultural Geography.

Dr. Jackson is an active member of the South Carolina State University Alumni Association, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the National Council for the Social Studies, the Florida Council for the Social Studies, the Pinellas Council for the Social Studies, the Pinellas County Teachers Association, and The National Society of Leadership and Success. He joined the faculty of St. Petersburg College on September 11, 2018, and has taught The College Experience, African-American History, History of the United States I, and History of the United States II.