Principal Andy M. Jacks: “Why class size reduction is a key ingredient to improving our schools”

Class size reduction is a key ingredient to improving our schools. Reducing class sizes alone will not dramatically change things, but having rooms completely packed with students, all vying for the attention and love of the teacher, creates an enormous challenge for educators. The most important thing for teachers is to make positive and meaningful relationships with their students, but this is increasingly difficult as teachers have to instruct a large number of students. Our school board, superintendent, and community advocate for this as a high priority and we appreciate their continued support.

As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Principal Andy M. Jacks.

Dr. Andy Jacks is a national leader and speaker of school innovation and reform. Andy is the principal of the award-winning Ashland Elementary School in Northern Virginia, widely known for its engaging and innovative school culture. Their efforts have received local and national recognition including Nationally Distinguished Principal, Virginia Principal of the Year, School Bell Award, State Excellence Award, Business Partnership of the Year, and a visit by U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. Andy is an NAESP Fellow leading the Center for Innovative Leadership which pulls in leadership lessons from principals across the country to empower others to create positive changes in their schools. Andy also serves on the Autism Society of Northern Virginia’s Board of Directors providing support for thousands of families affected by autism in the region.

Thank you so much for doing this with us, Dr. Jacks! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?