Ja'Net Blackmon

In reality, an English degree develops highly transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. Those skills have opened doors for me not only as a classroom teacher but also as an instructional coach and school administrator.

Name:

Ja'Net K. Blackmon

MSU Degree:

M.A. in English, 2010

Any other degrees:

B.A. in English Education, 2009, Alcorn State University

Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, 2014, University of Mississippi

Favorite memories of being an undergraduate English major:

I earned my undergraduate degree from Alcorn State University, where I developed a deep appreciation for classical literature and the ways timeless texts continue to shape our understanding of the human experience. At Mississippi State, one of my most rewarding experiences was serving as a graduate teaching assistant. I had the opportunity to teach Compensatory English, English Composition I, and English Composition II. Those experiences strengthened my confidence as an instructor, refined my teaching practices, and confirmed my passion for helping students become stronger readers, writers, and critical thinkers.

Current Position:

Assistant Principal

Organization:

Charleston High School, East Tallahatchie School District

When you graduated with a degree in English from MSU, what were your plans for your future? Has your career path mostly realized those early plans, or have you discovered new plans and goals along the way?

When I graduated from Mississippi State, my goal was to become a high school English teacher and inspire students to develop a love for reading, writing, and literature. That dream became a reality, and over time my career expanded beyond the classroom. Today, as an assistant principal, I have the opportunity to coach and support teachers, particularly in English language arts, while helping improve instruction across the entire school. Although my role has changed, my mission remains the same: helping students succeed through high-quality teaching and learning.

What is your current occupation, and what does your work mostly consist of?

I currently serve as an assistant principal at Charleston High School. My responsibilities include overseeing curriculum and instruction across all subject areas, supporting teachers through instructional coaching, analyzing student achievement data, leading professional development, and helping create systems that promote academic success. While I support all content areas, my background in English allows me to provide specialized guidance in literacy instruction and curriculum development.

Which skills that you learned as an English major do you use most in your job?

The analytical and communication skills I developed as an English major are essential to my work every day. Studying literature taught me to think critically, interpret complex texts, and appreciate the influence of historical and cultural contexts on meaning. Those skills now help me evaluate curriculum, support teachers in designing meaningful instruction, analyze student performance, and communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues. Strong writing and critical thinking remain some of the most valuable tools I use as an educational leader.

What additional skills did you need to learn in order to do your job, and how did you learn them?

As I transitioned into educational leadership, I needed to strengthen my collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills. My experience as a graduate teaching assistant at Mississippi State gave me an excellent foundation by teaching me how to work with faculty, mentor students, and balance multiple responsibilities. Throughout my career, I have continued to grow through professional development, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experience working with teachers, administrators, students, and families.

Are there common misconceptions about your career field, which current English majors might share, that you have learned the truth about?

One misconception is that an English degree limits career opportunities to teaching. In reality, an English degree develops highly transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. Those skills have opened doors for me not only as a classroom teacher but also as an instructional coach and school administrator. The possibilities are much broader than many students initially realize.

In what ways does your career enrich your life and help you to achieve your personal as well as your professional goals?

Teaching has always been my calling, and education continues to be deeply fulfilling. Some of my greatest rewards come from hearing former students tell me they still use strategies I taught them years ago or seeing former students return to education as teachers themselves. Knowing that I have had a lasting impact on their lives is incredibly meaningful. As an administrator, I now have the opportunity to extend that impact by supporting teachers, which ultimately benefits even more students.

What advice do you have for undergraduate English majors right now who might want to follow the career path you did?

Go for it! An English degree provides a strong foundation for a wide range of careers and equips you with skills that will serve you throughout your professional life. If teaching is your passion, embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with students. The work is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Every day brings an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life, and there is no greater privilege than helping others discover their potential.

[Updated August 2026]