Discipline has always been an integral part of the education process. That is not the same as saying all discipline practices are effective and contributing to improving student behavior. In fact, many times when we think of discipline, we immediately think of exclusionary practices. After all, this is what we’re most familiar with.
My guest today is Andy Jacks, author of the book Discipline Win: Strategies to Improve Behavior, Increase Ownership, and Give Every Student a Chance. Andy draws from his own experiences as a classroom teacher, the work he has done as an administrator, and even his own research he conducted as part of his dissertation to demonstrate that exclusionary practices are not only ineffective but actually hinder students. Join us on Anchored in Education today as we learn more about his book and how we can utilize the strategies he gives us to take a different, more positive and effective, approach to discipline.
Dr. Andy Jacks is a highly regarded school leader known for the energy and passion he brings to ensure his students feel valued in school every day. He describes his favorite and most common compliment from visitors to his school as, “It just feels different here.” Andy has been recognized with state and national awards such as School Bell Award, Professional Development Award, Virginia Principal of the Year, and Nationally Distinguished Principal. As a school principal, Andy skyrocketed student achievement and led a cultural transformation that gained local and national recognition for his students and staff, including state and local awards for performance, business partnerships, support for military-connected families, and even a school tour by the United States Secretary of Education. As a senior fellow for the National Association of Elementary School Principals’ Centers for Advancing Leadership, Andy works to engage and support school leaders across the country through focused centers on diversity, innovation, the middle level, and women in leadership. He has served on national task forces and has shared at congressional briefings. Andy also serves on the board of directors of the Autism Society of Northern Virginia, where he organizes inclusive and sensory-friendly family events in the region. Andy is a sought-after speaker and trainer, providing professional learning for school districts and associations. He has been featured in publications such as the Washington Post, Principal Magazine, and Education Week. He is the author of Discipline Win: Strategies to improve behavior, increase ownership, and give every student a chance. He resides in Northern Virginia with his wife and three children. Find him online at andyjacks.com and on social media @_AndyJacks.