Mrs. LaToya Blackshear is a dedicated education professional and accomplished leader with a strong track record of success in the field. Currently the Director of Planning and Evaluation in the Office of Data and Accountability for Jackson Public Schools, she has made significant contributions during her 23-year tenure. Starting as an Elementary and Middle School teacher, Mrs. Blackshear’s passion for teaching and commitment to student success propelled her to assume various leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Principal, Assessment Specialist, and Program Implementation Specialist. Notably, she played a crucial role as the Program Coordinator for the Mississippi K-3 Assessment Support System (MKAS2) at the Mississippi Department of Education. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in developing and implementing an effective assessment program to support students’ educational growth.

Known as a change agent and turnaround principal, Mrs. Blackshear has transformed several struggling schools into thriving centers of learning, earning recognition as JPS District Leader of the Year in 2022. As the Director of Planning and Evaluation in the Office of Data and Accountability, Mrs. Blackshear continues to play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Jackson Public Schools. Her expertise in data analysis, strategic planning, and program evaluation enables her to develop and implement evidence-based initiatives that foster student success and drive overall school improvement. Mrs. Blackshear holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Jackson State University and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College.  She is married to Demetrius Blackshear and they have 2 sons, Gavin and Graylon.