Keith Jacobs is a nationally recognized education leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing education choice, public school innovation, and customized learning models. Based in Tampa, Florida, Keith currently serves as Director of Provider Development at Step Up For Students, where he leads statewide and national efforts to expand high-quality education options for families. His work focuses on designing and scaling public school partnerships that allow districts to offer a la carte courses and services through Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), positioning public education at the forefront of personalization, flexibility, and access.

Keith brings deep operational and policy expertise shaped by 14 years of service as a classroom educator and school leader. His career includes roles as a middle school language arts and AVID teacher, assistant principal at middle and high school magnet programs, and founding principal of a K–8 charter school. This experience provides him with rare, end-to-end insight into how education policy translates into classroom practice, school operations, and student outcomes. Keith holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

As a first-generation college graduate, Keith is driven by a personal and professional commitment to expanding opportunity for students and families. He believes the heart of humanity lies in the effort to educate its children and this conviction anchors his leadership, advocacy, and public voice. Keith has authored articles in local and national outlets, recruited and coached parent advocates to testify before lawmakers, and regularly speaks at national conferences on education choice, customization, and public school transformation. Through his work, Keith continues to shape the future of education by aligning policy, practice, and purpose.