An exclusive interview with Mr. Michael Jackson candidate for County Executive in Prince George's County, Maryland

An exclusive interview with Mr. Michael Jackson is a candidate for County Executive in Prince George's County, Maryland can heard at on Parents and PGCPS: An EduSocial Network for the engaged parent and dedicated educator. Mr. Michael Jackson will appear on the eCommunity Affairs. The show will air on August 2, 2010. To join the conversation visit Parents and PGCPS

Michael Jackson is currently serving his second consecutive four-year term as Sheriff of Prince George’s County.A former marine reservist, grounded in his religious faith as a life-long member of Mount Calvary Catholic Church, a leader who is determined to use his skills and executive leadership in service to the people, Michael Jackson, 45, is the man to take Prince George’s County from potential to abundant prosperity for all.

Michael Jackson started life on a farm in Upper Marlboro, moved to Maryland Gardens as a youngster, went to Marlboro Elementary School, and then top-tested into rigorous, academically-recognized Crossland High School.

At each stage of his career and motivated by purpose before self, he added to his educational credentials, graduating from The Johns Hopkins University with a Masters Degree in Management Science. Michael Jackson both possesses and demonstrates the management and leadership skills needed to serve Prince George’s County.

Michael knows that great work is not a solo activity. And, change begins with the “Man in the Mirror.”With your vote, Michael Jackson will make a change in Prince George’s County so that it can be all that it can be.

Michael resides in Brandywine, Maryland with his wife Kim, and they have one adult son, Aaron, and two grandchildren.

Montgomery College of Rockville, Maryland Hires New President

According to the Washington Post, Montgomery College located in Rockville, Maryland has completed its five month search for a President with the hiring of Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard. To read more about this story click here

An Interview with Susan Shaffer, Executive Director of the Maryland State PIRC

Written by

Michael A. Robinson

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Susan Shaffer, Executive Director of the Maryland State PIRC at the conclusion of one the organization’s conference planning sessions with over 10 Maryland school districts.

The Maryland PIRC is an organization not known to many, but is one of the most effective organizations in the State of Maryland advocating for parental/family involvement in schools and communities to benefit student achievement.


Q. What is the Maryland PIRC?

A. The Maryland PRIC is the Maryland State Parental Information Resource Center. It is funded by the United States Department of Education and we provide services, direct services to parents and educators on issues related to family engagement and student achievement.

Q. How does the Maryland PIRC define Parental Engagement/Family Involvement?

A. That is a very good question. We want parents to be partners with schools and decision makers with schools; to be able to work effectively with their children at home; to be able to be advocates for their children and all the children that they work with within their communities. That is really what we would like. We want parents to have both advocacy skills as well as a sense of feeling empowered to help their children at home, so that the children can do better in school.

Q. How can Families find out about the services and programs offered by the Maryland PIRC?

A. They can find out by going on our website, which is http://www.mdpirc.org/
We have a hotline were parents can call in and we have people on staff who will answer their questions and if they can’t answer them the will put them in direct contact with someone in their County. They can find out about the PIRC through their Title 1 offices, through their family engagement offices and through the Maryland State Department of Education.


For the complete interview with Susan Shaffer, Executive Director of the Maryland State PIRC visit The Journey Begins, our 24 hour online radio station for the engaged parent and dedicated educator on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/mini.cgi?station_name=mdavisro&tm=7566

You will also be able to download the entire interview beginning August 15, 2009 at http://education4and2parents.podbean.com/ our Podcast Resource Center for free.