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Every Student, Every Minute, Every Day
How Innovation, Collaboration, and Resilience Are Shaping the Next Generation of Learning
CheeTung (CT) Leong
February 23, 2025
Quick question for district leaders: I'm considering building a tool that would make 200+ episodes of the Engaging Leadership Show instantly searchable for your teams. Think of it as a way to learn from the entire community of guests - educators could chat with it to find relevant episodes and insights on specific challenges they're facing.
Before I build this, I'd love your input. Please pick the best option for you:
Can education transcend traditional standards? Can it become an immersive journey that sparks curiosity, resilience, and joy in every student?
In the latest episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, we welcome Dr. Jason Hewitt, Superintendent of Sheppard Independent School District, Texas. Taking the helm during the tumultuous COVID-19 era, Dr. Hewitt embraced uncertainty with innovation, paving the way for the groundbreaking APEX program.
Crafting Transformative Educational Experiences
Dr. Hewitt believes that education should be immersive, engaging, and student-centered. He envisions education as a dynamic experience where technology and human connection converge. the APEX program ensures every student receives high-quality instruction, supported by technology and collaborative teaching.
Innovation isn’t just about tools—it’s about transforming lives through learning.
The Heartbeat of Sheppard ISD: The APEX Program
The APEX program places master teachers at the core, harnessing technology to enrich classrooms while nurturing junior teachers. This initiative has propelled student success, notably elevating fourth-grade math from an “F” to a “C.”
Collaboration isn’t optional—it's essential for growth, for both students and educators
Building a Community of Choice and Trust
Nestled near Houston, Sheppard, Texas, balances rural charm with evolving opportunities. Dr. Hewitt’s commitment to excellence ensures families choose Sheppard ISD not just for education, but for an experience.
Families deserve more than promises—they deserve results.
Inspiring Future Educational Leaders
Dr. Hewitt encourages aspiring leaders to stay true to their passion, uphold integrity, and pursue continuous growth. Stepping into leadership amid a crisis taught Dr. Hewitt the value of authenticity, adaptability, and transparent communication.
“Excellence isn’t a destination—it’s a relentless pursuit.
Dr. Hewitt’s leadership emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and creating meaningful educational experiences that inspire both students and teachers. His story is a testament to how rural schools can thrive through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
✨ Inspire, innovate, and lead—because education is more than just standards, it’s about possibilities. ✨
Listen to the full episode on Spotify below:
Have a great week ahead,
CT
Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways we can help you:
MTSS Coordination Template: If your instructional coaches and support teams have trouble with coordinating student data and tracking intervention progress, use our simple and lightweight toolkit to help. It’s fully customizable, we don’t see any of your data, and uses familiar Google Sheets and Forms. Let us help you set it up here.
Integrated analytics for better decision-making: If you’re spending too much time in spreadsheets and struggling to pull data from different systems, or have just given up integrating your data, I can recommend small tweaks that should help almost immediately without massive changes to your process. This would be a complimentary 25-min consultation session. Book some time here.
Recommend a Podcast Guest: Do you know a superstar superintendent? A lifelong learner leader? Get them the recognition they deserve and feature them on the podcast, and have them join a guest alumni of over 250+ other leaders.
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