Dan Effland

Dan joined Summit in 2017 and has led Summit Atlas High School since 2020. A native of West Virginia and West Virginia University alumni, Dan credits the great city of Chicago for shaping him into the person he is. After 10+ years as a working musician in the windy city, Dan underwent a career change inspired by incredible experiences working with students in Chicago Public Schools and some guidance and advice from trusted friends and family. Going through Teach for America in 2014, Dan earned a Master’s in Special Education from Dominican University and worked as a Special Education teacher for grades 6-12 in Chicago and eventually Seattle. Dan also holds a Masters in Education in Public School Building Administration from Columbia University. He previously served as Dean of Culture and Instruction at Summit Sierra.