{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Beyond the \u201cTesting Obsession\u201d: A Conversation with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum","description":"I recently sat down with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum, Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools, to talk about what it really means to lead in a messy, high-pressure moment for public education. Jason embraces being an \u201cimperfect\u201d leader. In a field often paralyzed by the pressure for perfection, that mindset matters. Three takeaways that stayed with me: \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f A Cathedral to Possibility: Winchester\u2019s Emil and Grace Shahadah Innovation Center brings students together to explore a true buffet of options. It\u2019s about social cohesion and shared opportunity, not silos. \ud83d\udd04 Doubling Down on Agency: Amid post-pandemic test score panic, Jason felt the pressure to retreat to compliance. Instead, he\u2019s recommitting to student agency and project-based learning through the district\u2019s Elevate 2030 plan. \ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Run Toward a Vision: Jason\u2019s advice to aspiring leaders: don\u2019t run away from what you dislike. Instead, run toward something you believe in. Lead toward possibility. Toward humanity. If you haven\u2019t seen it, the documentary Multiple Choice (produced by previous podcast guest Ted Dintersmith) captures this spirit beautifully. What would it look like for more of us to lead this way? #ImperfectLeader #StudentAgency #EducationInnovation #PublicEducation #Elevate2030 -------  Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/peter-stiepleman-76004819a\/ Website: https:\/\/imperfectleader.com\/ YouTube (video of conversation): https:\/\/youtu.be\/VkKiXpczSEAhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144\/featured Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/animperfectleader\/ Tiktok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@animperfectleader  Follow Co-host Jamie Almanz\u00e1n on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https:\/\/www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K\u201312 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com\/imperfect -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.  Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more.    ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project\u2019s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, \u201cgametivities\u201d, and real conversations.  We\u2019re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https:\/\/thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly. ","author_name":"An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/432183","html":"