Building Champions in the Classroom, on the Field and Through Life With Coach PJ

Guest Blog by Shawn Gatlin, Marketing & Communications Manager at Meridian Public Charter School

If you’ve ever passed the gym at Meridian Public Charter Middle School and heard students laughing, shouting, or racing across the floor, there’s a great chance Coach Paul Jackson, Jr. is the reason. When Coach Jackson, “Coach PJ” to his students, leads PE class or track & field practice, it’s more than just movement—it’s momentum. That energy, commitment, and heart make him a center of influence in our school community. 

As our health and physical educator and athletic coach for grades six through eight, Coach Jackson brings a unique twist of purpose and passion to everything he does. His own journey into education wasn’t traditional, and it carries through in his teaching style. Coach Jackson originally aspired to become a physical therapist but found his calling during a college internship at a Baltimore school, where he worked closely with students who needed mentorship. “It didn’t feel like work,” he says. “It felt like something I was supposed to be doing.” 

Through recreation programs like Coaching Corps and his own experience as a multi-sport athlete, Coach Jackson discovered the deep impact coaching could have, not just in games, but in life. “Coaching is teaching,” he says. “When I step into a classroom or onto the field, I’m focused on helping students understand, grow, and believe in themselves.” 

And for our Meridian Owls, that belief has made all the difference. 

Coach Jackson’s influence stretches beyond athletic performance. He watches how students interact in class, how they respond to feedback, and how they carry themselves in different situations. “That’s where I find my athletes,” Jackson explains. “It’s not just about speed or strength—it’s about character, leadership, and heart.” 

One of his proudest moments came from watching a once self-conscious student develop into a confident leader over the years. “He spoke more, became more interactive, and seemed happier,” Jackson shares. “He wasn’t just doing better in PE—he was doing better everywhere.” 

While students push to compete at their highest level, athletics never overshadow academics. “You’re a student first,” he explains. “If your grades aren’t right, we’re not talking about sports.” And when it comes to defining success, he keeps it simple: Character. “What are your morals and things you care about? There are a lot of athletes who are not good people. I don't care about you winning or losing. If you're not a good person, none of that matters. You've got to be a good person.” 

So what keeps Coach Jackson passionate about teaching and coaching year after year? “I know I matter,” he says. “I know that I play a vital role in the adolescent development of all of these students. I’m helping mold future leaders, and I’m proud to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Here at Meridian Public Charter School, Coach PJ isn’t just coaching our middle school students to run faster or throw farther—he’s teaching them how to excel in academics, lead with confidence, and believe in themselves.