ABOUT – ANDY JACKS

Welcome, and it’s fantastic to connect with you! Like you, I am more than just my job. I wear many hats that show my passions, such as being a proud father and husband, educator and school leader, disability advocate, speaker, and author. I’m really passionate about ways we can transform schools to be awesome for all of our students.

Currently, I’m the principal of Ellis Elementary School, a small but mighty Title I school in the heart of historic Manassas, Virginia. My journey in education has been nothing short of amazing. For 12 incredible years, I led Ashland Elementary School, where we witnessed an awe-inspiring cultural and academic transformation that sent student achievement skyrocketing. Our efforts garnered statewide recognition as one of the top-performing schools. We pioneered innovative student-led programs like students refurbishing and donating computers, a Hollywood-level newsroom, and an augmented reality art gallery. The recognition for our work poured in, from VDOE Excellence & Distinguished Achievement Awards to the VDOE Distinguished Purple Star School Award, and even a visit from the United States Secretary of Education! I was humbled to be honored with the VAESP Professional Development Award, School Bell Award, Virginia Principal of the Year Award, and the NAESP Nationally Distinguished Principal Award. My next step included being principal of The Nokesville School, a large K-8 school where we implemented new sports programs and innovative student leadership opportunities.

My journey also led me to unique leadership opportunities in advocating for education. I participated in congressional panels on educational reform and served on task forces for one of the largest school divisions in the country, including the PWCS Safe Schools Advisory Council. In 2019, I was thrilled to help create and shape the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership, and in 2020, I became the first Senior Fellow for the National Association of Elementary Schools Centers for Advancing Leadership. As a Senior Fellow, I’m dedicated to connecting, educating, and inspiring school leaders nationwide.

It’s also an honor to serve as a Board Member for the Autism Society of Northern Virginia, leading sensory-friendly events, fundraising for support programs, and advocating for changes in state laws to support those affected by Autism and other disabilities. I have recently been voted in as Co-Vice President of ASNV and am excited about the upcoming changes we are making.

My educational journey comprises a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development from Grove City College, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from George Mason University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech.

Writing is a true passion of mine, and I love sharing my thoughts on education and leadership. In 2021, I authored “Discipline Win: Strategies to Improve Behavior, Increase Ownership, and Give Every Student a Chance.” You can also find my perspectives in various published articles and blog posts.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting educational adventure! Let’s keep inspiring and making a difference for our kids together.