Coach Clifton Jackson, “Coach J,” is the engine that drives recess powered by Playworks at the Kindezi Academy, formerly Joyce Kilmer IPS #69. Coach J joined the Playworks Indiana team in the fall of 2016 and is making change happen one recess at a time.
Raised in central Indiana, Coach J understands what makes our community move. As a dad, he knows how to motivate, empower, and engage students.
Coach J puts his football experience and history as the “king of kickball” into practice to develop his students’ athletic and kindness skills. Aware of the external factors at work outside of the school walls, Coach J is focused on making sure his recess is always a safe and healthy place to play, every day.
“The kids I serve have so much dark in their lives,” said Coach J. “I just want to be one of the few consistent, bright lights that they see every day.”
Thanks for rocking recess, Coach J!
Favorite Playworks cheer: Oh! A milkshake.
Most rewarding recess moment: I was moved when a student insisted on my return to the school next year. I knew that I was in the right place at the right time. Powered by simple tools, focused on spreading joy and practicing empathy, I was making a contribution.
What does the crystal ball say about your future? My future is bright because I’ve finally found work that’s meaningful, rewarding, and challenging. I love serving these kids and feeling like I’m making a difference in their lives on a daily basis.
