David C. Jeck

Growing up as the youngest of 11 children in a blended-family home, David Jeck learned the importance of standing up for oneself courageously. A former special education student, Jeck overcame a variety of obstacles, eventually becoming a college athlete, teacher, coach, high school principal, and school superintendent. Dr. Jeck has been recognized as the Virginia Region IV Superintendent of the Year, and earned the VAESP "Pathfinder Award" as well as the George Washington University's "Student Choice Award." Currently serving in his 15th year as a Virginia superintendent, he is one of the state's longest-tenured division leaders and has consistently maintained graduation rates at or above 95%.

His book, "Courageous School Leadership: Don't Let the Why Get Lost in the How" is an honest, direct, and affirmative guide for school leaders. Jeck injects humor and fun into his book, which is a "must read" for not only emerging leaders but also leaders who have been on their heels "playing defense" for the past several years.