Ashland
Elementary
School
Principal
Dr.
Andy
Jacks
has
been
named
a
senior
fellow
for
the
National
Association
of
Elementary
School
Principals
(NAESP)
newly
formed
Centers
for
Advancing
Leadership.
Jacks
is
one
of
only
nine
administrators
selected
to
be
fellows
from
across
the
nation
and
is
the
only
senior
fellow;
as
such
he
will
help
oversee
all
four
of
the
leadership
centers.
His
reputation
and
experience
as
a
demonstrated
leader,
combined
with
his
exemplary
commitment
to
his
profession,
position
Jacks
to
make
meaningful
contributions
to
the
four
new
centers,
which
are
intended
to
create
experiences
for
the
nation's
school
leaders
to
broaden
and
deepen
their
learning.
The
NAESP
fellows,
through
the
work
of
the
centers,
will
enhance
educational
opportunities
for
school
administrators
who
share
a
passion
for
looking
at
topics
from
diverse
perspectives.Dr. L. Earl Franks, executive director of the NAESP, in an announcement letter to PWCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven L. Walts, said that, as an NAESP fellow, Jacks "will facilitate learning and professional growth related to current and emerging issues; identify and share best practices based on research; promote the essential leadership role of the principal; and create a network of colleagues with an interest in expanding their learning."
Jacks joined PWCS in 2001 as a fifth-grade teacher at Kilby Elementary School. He went on to help open Buckland Mills Elementary School as its assistant principal in 2006 and became principal at Ashland Elementary in 2010. Under his leadership, Ashland has earned the Distinguished Achievement Award in the Virginia Index of Performance program for exceeding state and federal accountability standards. It has been named a School of Excellence seven times over the last 10 years and is recognized by the state as a Distinguished Purple Star School in Prince William County for its commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.
Jacks holds 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 completed his doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech.
Jacks has earned many other professional awards, publications, and achievements, and said he is really good at puzzles. He and his wife, Kristine, have three children who all attend PWCS schools.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals provides advocacy and support for elementary and middle-level principals in the United States and internationally. NAESP supports principals as the primary catalysts for creating lasting foundations for learning through policy and professional learning, advocacy, programs, and resources for effective instructional leadership.