ABOUT – ANDY JACKS

I’m Andy Jacks—principal, disability advocate, author of Discipline Win, and a speaker who believes one thing above all:

Every student can succeed—but only if we build cultures and systems that actually make that possible.

I work with schools and leaders who are tired of talk and ready for real change—stronger culture, better behavior, and results that last.

Through keynotes, workshops, and coaching, I help educators:

Build positive, consistent discipline systems that actually work
Strengthen school culture through relationships and accountability
Increase student ownership, engagement, and agency
Turn big ideas into practical, daily actions

Because great schools aren’t built on programs—they’re built on people, clarity, and follow-through.

I currently serve as principal of Ellis Elementary in Manassas, Virginia, where I lead a diverse Title I school focused on high expectations and real opportunity for every student.

Before that, I spent well over a decade leading multiple school transformations at the elementary and middle levels that significantly increased student achievement and school culture—work that earned state and national recognition.

Across every role—teacher, assistant principal, principal—I’ve focused on one thing:

Helping schools become places where every student feels valued—and actually succeeds. Results matter. Our impact is what makes the real difference.

I’m proud to have spent a career where we have made this kind of difference in many ways:

Virginia Principal of the Year
NAESP National Distinguished Principal
State Professional Development Award
Author of Discipline Win
Doctoral Dissertation – How to reduce exclusionary discipline for students with disabilities
Led school improvement from 420th to 49th ranked school in state based on based on total state assessment scores

Learn more about my work as Senior Fellow, NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership, and how we connect, inspire, and educator school leaders all across the world. Often this work in return is just the kind of motivation that keeps us coming back for more.

I’m also a husband, father, and advocate for individuals with disabilities—work that continues to shape how I think about inclusion, leadership, and what really matters.

If you’re looking for a speaker or partner who will challenge, connect, and leave your team better than they started—

Let’s work together!