Jan Lee Dickson

Jan attended the University of North Texas for three years and transferred to the University of Arkansas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She began her first year of teaching at Crockett Junior High School in Irving, Texas. The following year, Jan decided she wanted an adventure and moved to Hobbs, New Mexico. She met her future husband, Kenneth Dale Dickson, there at the same junior high school where she taught English and he taught History.

In 1958, Ken was offered a teaching position in California, and Jan moved back to Texas. She and Ken began a long distance courtship, writing many letters over the course of several months. Ken found a teaching position for Jan near him, and in late summer 1959 they both moved to Glendale, California and married that fall, on November 14. After a few cross-country moves, they settled down in Irving in 1964, and Jan resumed her position teaching eighth grade English at Crockett Junior High School. During her forty-plus years at Crockett, she had a true passion for challenging her students to think creatively and critically, and inspired them to fulfill their highest potential. She truly brought learning to life in her classroom, and is cited by many of her students today as being the best teacher they ever knew.

After retiring in 2000, Jan became a full-time Liaison with the Irving Independent School District, where she worked tirelessly to mentor and encourage new teachers. She was extremely proud of her work with that program, sometimes busier than she had been as a teacher. She thrived on motivating and supporting new teachers in what she called “the most noble profession”.

Jan also wrote many articles for the Irving Morning News and Dallas Morning News, and was well-known for her outspoken style and wit in her commentaries on the educational system. During the course of career, Jan received countless awards and commendations. Those of which she was most proud include:

1989 Irving's High-Spirited Citizen Award

1989 North Texas Poetry Contest – First Place

2004 President’s Award for Literary Excellence

2010 Golden Apple Award – Outstanding Contributions to Education of Students in Irving ISD

One of Jan's favorite poets was Emily Dickinson, whom she quoted in one of her many Irving Morning News commentaries: “We never know how high we are/till we are called to rise/and then if we are true to form, our statures touch the skies.” Jan always saw teaching as her calling, and her stature truly touched the skies.

Jan is survived by her husband, Ken Dickson; daughters LeAnne Dickson and Lesley Foor; three grandchildren; sister, Gail White; beloved family members, many friends, and a multitude of former students whose lives she touched.

Jan’s family would like to extend their deep and sincere gratitude to the nurses and caregivers at Brookdale Plano and Brookdale Hospice, who made her life so much brighter during her final years. Their compassion and care meant the world to Jan and her family.

A private memorial is being planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be designated in Jan Dickson’s memory to Irving Schools Foundation, 2621 W. Airport Freeway, Irving, TX 75062.

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