She has published more than 70 articles and book chapters on school law, is an editor of the Principal's Legal Handbook, and is a member of the board of directors for the Education Law Association. She is the recipient of the Jack A. Culbertson Award for outstanding achievements in education from the University Council of Educational Administration. Prior to joining the faculty at Indiana University, Eckes was a high school French teacher and an attorney. She earned her master's degree in education from Harvard University and her law degree and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.