Dr. Jeff Stephens began his career in Weber School District in 1984 as an English and Reading teacher at Wahlquist Junior High School. In 1994 he was appointed as an administrative intern and served in that capacity for one year at Roy High School. Dr. Stephens was named assistant principal at South Ogden Junior High in 1995 and was appointed as principal at South Ogden Junior. in 1998. He served in that capacity until 2000 when he was named as Curriculum and Instruction Director for Weber School District. In 2004, the Weber School District Board of Education appointed Dr. Stephens to the position of Assistant Superintendent where his responsibilities included involvement with curriculum and instruction programs, CTE and the Foundation. In April 2011 Jeff Stephens was named as Superintendent of Weber School District.
Dr. Stephens received his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Education Degree from Weber State University; his Administrative/Supervisory Endorsement in 1993 and received his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Utah State University in 1994. He has also received an Advanced Reading Endorsement from the Utah State Office of Education. Dr. Stephens has provided leadership in local, state, and national professional organizations and has been presented with numerous recognitions, honors and awards for his leadership and abilities. Weber School District is pleased to have Dr. Jeff Stephens at the helm of the District. Most recently, Dr. Stephens was recognized by AASA and COSN as the 2021 National EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year as well as the Utah Superintendent of the Year for 2021-22.
Jeff is married to his wife of 40 years, Leila Stephens. They have four children and ten beautiful grandchildren.
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement