Jeff McCoy

Jeff McCoy is a national education leader whose career spans more than two decades in PK-12 education. After 26 years leading innovation and academics in one of the nation's largest school districts, McCoy serves as chief education officer at the Education Research & Development Institute, where he connects education professionals to address pressing challenges in the field. The institute fosters a forum for national thought leaders to collaborate and shape the PK-12 education experience.

McCoy built his career at Greenville County Schools, the largest district in South Carolina and the 44th largest in the nation, serving 78,000 students. His work history includes roles such as executive director of academic innovation and technology, director of academic innovation and technology, media services director, instructional technology, distance learning coordinator, technology facilitator, and teacher. As associate superintendent for academics, he oversaw departments including academic support, career and technical education, research and evaluation, special education, early childhood and literacy, instructional technology, Title I, ESOL, virtual high school and distance learning, and Roper Mountain Science Center. Among his achievements, McCoy led initiatives such as a districtwide K-12 literacy framework and the development of a comprehensive K-12 virtual school.

McCoy has been recognized in education, being named Teacher of the Year at Greer Middle School and Professional Employee of the Year at Greenville County Schools. He has received national recognition, including being named one of District Administration's Top 100 Most Influential Education Leaders and receiving the 1EdTech Leadership Award and RTM All Stars Award. McCoy has also served as an adjunct professor at Furman University, teaching technology leadership to graduate students.

McCoy has co-authored several blueprints on technology integration and artificial intelligence, and frequently presents nationally on responsible and ethical AI use in education, teacher efficiency, and personalized learning. He has been featured in publications such as Education Digest and eSchool News and is a frequent guest on education and technology podcasts. McCoy co-founded the National Council for Innovative Instructional Leaders, which advances instructional best practices and innovation. The council's inaugural report, "Trailblazing Leadership: Shaping Education for Generation Alpha in an Era of AI," guides K-12 education toward integrating technology while maintaining human connections in the classroom.

McCoy has served on advisory boards including the RTM Advisory Board, TEAMology Board of Advisors, and the 1EdTech Board of Directors. He maintains active roles in professional organizations such as the International Society for Technology in Education and the American Association of School Administrators. With a career defined by bridging educational practice and emerging technology, McCoy brings district experience and national thought leadership to the education sector.