Speakers
Jack Dale
Dr. Jack D. Dale joined Fairfax County Public Schools, the nation's 12th largest school system, as Superintendent in July 2004. From 1996 to June 2004, he served as superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland, where he was named Maryland's superintendent of the year. Dr. Dale has served in education as a teacher of mathematics, assistant principal, director of instruction, director of personnel, and associate superintendent for school administration. Born in Seattle, he holds a B.A. in mathematics and education; a Master's in educational administration; and a Doctorate in education, with an emphasis on school leadership and organizational change, from the University of Washington.
One of Dr. Dale’s major initiatives in Fairfax County is Teacher Leadership. Fairfax County Public Schools this year provided extended-year teacher contracts designed to improve instruction, thereby raising student achievement in 24 schools. The Teacher Leadership initiative also provides FCPS Leadership Team members the opportunity to cultivate talent within the division and to ensure only effective programs and practices are implemented. Data from this three-year program will be compiled to determine outcomes.
Together with the Fairfax County School Board, Dr. Dale has developed belief statements, affirming that Fairfax County Public Schools believes in "our children," "our teachers," "our public education system," and "our community." These statements have been translated into a vision for the school system that includes student goals in academics, essential life skills, and responsibility to the community, as well as operational expectations for the school system administration. These elements come together in the school system's mission statement: "Fairfax County Public Schools, a world-class school system, inspires, enables, and empowers students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and demonstrate responsible citizenship.
