Jacquelyn McCandless
Jacquelyn Davis McCandless is a dedicated educational leader with over two decades of service to the Hawaii Department of Education, where she has served as an administrator since 2001. Based in Maui, Jacquelyn has built a career focused on fostering academic excellence, supporting teacher development, and ensuring that every student has access to a nurturing and effective learning environment. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to innovation in education, community collaboration, and the success of both students and staff.
Jacquelyn’s academic foundation reflects her passion for education and leadership. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Teaching from the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, equipping her with the skills to support diverse learners and inclusive classrooms. She went on to complete a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at the University of Phoenix, further strengthening her expertise in school management, instructional supervision, and strategic educational planning.
Beyond her professional life, Jacquelyn is known for her warmth, dedication, and love of nature. She enjoys spending time caring for her plants, finding peace and inspiration in nurturing growth—both in her garden and in the students and educators she supports. Her commitment to lifelong learning and growth continues to inspire those around her, reflecting her belief that education, much like a thriving garden, flourishes with care, patience, and purpose.
• University of Phoenix - MS
• University of Nevada-Las Vegas - BS.Ed
• NASSP 2025 Hawaii Middle Level Principal of the Year
• Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award Nominee
• NASSP 2011 Hawaii Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year
• NASSP
• NAESP
• AMLE
• Disaster Relief Work, Jehovah's Witnesses
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep love for teaching and the joy I find in working with students every day. Guiding young minds, watching them grow, and helping them discover their potential is what drives me. My passion for education and genuine care for my students have always been at the heart of my work, inspiring me to create an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and motivated to succeed.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be like a duck. Above the surface, look composed and unruffled. Below the surface, paddle like hell!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay focused on your why and you will never go wrong. Your journey will take you through twists and turns, but your why will guide you to where you need to be and where you need to go next.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The state of society is one of the biggest challenges. How people treat one another is generally poor and people hide behind social media. This attitude of 'me first' and 'wasn't my fault' trickles down to our students who bring this to our schools creating difficulties within the school environment and negatively impact the climate of the school. School staff members are already taxed with many responsibilities of teaching academics, social and behavioral expectations and providing a safe environment. Having to teach and impart kindness and respect becomes more difficult when our society generally behaves in an unjust manner and it is splattered all over social media for all to see and "like".
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My faith, my integrity and my love for students are the cornerstones of my life.