This month, we celebrate the incredible career and well-deserved retirement of Mrs. Vickie Jenson, a beloved educator from South Hills High School in Fort Worth ISD. For over a decade, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mrs. Jenson through our AdoptED program — and what a joy and inspiration she has been.

Vickie has been a true champion for AdoptED, passionately advocating for adoption education and bringing our mission to life in her classroom. She believed deeply in the power of knowledge, empathy, and real-world learning. In fact, she once took her Gladney mug along on a summer cruise — a small but unforgettable gesture that showed just how close to her heart this work was.

 

But Vickie’s impact extended far beyond a single program. She poured herself into her students, offering kindness and encouragement while pushing them to grow, take risks, and reach for new heights. Whether traveling out of state to support them in competitions or simply being a steady source of support at school, she never stopped showing up for her students — fully and wholeheartedly.

 

One of the most powerful testaments to her influence is that one of her former students was so inspired by Vickie’s example that she became a teacher herself — and now teaches alongside her mentor. That legacy of empowerment and leadership is what teaching at its best looks like.

 

Vickie also served as a mentor to other educators within Fort Worth ISD, generously sharing her knowledge and always going out of her way to make people feel seen, supported, and appreciated. Her infectious positivity and warm spirit created a ripple effect far beyond the walls of her classroom.

 

As she steps into retirement, we know she’ll bring the same joy and energy to this next chapter that she brought to her career. South Hills High and the entire district will miss her deeply — and so will we.

 

Vickie, thank you for everything. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you've touched. You will always be part of our AdoptED family, and we’re forever grateful you were one of our very first teachers.

 

Wishing you all the best in retirement — you’ve earned every moment of it.

 

With appreciation,
The AdoptED Team