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Would You Fly in a Plane Built by High School Students?
When Classroom Learning Reaches New Heights
CheeTung (CT) Leong
February 16, 2025
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How can educational leaders create a system that meets standards and fosters lasting change and inclusivity?
What steps can they take to balance accountability with the creation of a truly inclusive system?
On the latest episode of The Engaging Leadership Show, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Chris Allen, Superintendent of Midway Independent School District, about transformational leadership, the Midway Mindset, and the role of experiential learning in shaping future-ready students. Dr. Allen’s leadership provides a compelling example of how strategic, student-centered leadership can drive meaningful and lasting improvements in education
Redefining the Role of an Educator
Dr. Allen highlights the importance of moving beyond traditional teaching methods, emphasizing critical thinking, mastery, and real-world application. At Midway ISD, the goal is to elevate students to the highest levels of cognitive engagement, assuming they can excel unless proven otherwise.
Education is about unlocking potential. When we set high expectations and provide the right support, students rise to the challenge.
Highschool Students of Midway who will be working on the Tango Airplaine with their mentors
Harnessing Experiential Learning for Meaningful Change
Dr. Allen emphasizes the power of hands-on, real-world learning in preparing students for the future. A standout initiative at Midway High School involves students building an actual airplane, integrating STEM education with practical problem-solving and teamwork. With mentorship from local professionals and technical colleges, this project bridges the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness.
Learning is most effective when students see its real-world relevance. When they build, create, and solve problems, they develop skills that last a lifetime.
A Shift from Compliance to Deep Learning
Historically, educational systems have emphasized compliance and standardized testing. Dr. Allen advocates for authentic assessments that measure a student’s ability to apply knowledge in practical settings. In Midway ISD, real-world evaluations, like FAA inspections of student-built projects, replace rote memorization and standardized testing.
We need to shift from measuring memorization to assessing mastery. When students can demonstrate their knowledge in real-world applications, we know they are truly learning.
Balancing Systemic Change with Community Engagement
Dr. Allen believes in transformational leadership—one that involves gradual implementation, strong community ties, and adapting structures to support deep learning. By engaging parents, educators, and local businesses, Midway ISD creates a collaborative educational environment where students can excel.
True leadership is about bringing people together. The best educational systems are built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for student success.
Dr. Allen offers three key takeaways for future leaders in education:
Believe in Every Student – Assume students can think critically and solve complex problems unless proven otherwise.
Build Strong Support Systems – Educational success requires structures that reinforce high expectations and continuous improvement.
Engage Stakeholders – Collaboration with educators, parents, and the community fosters trust and meaningful change.
Dr. Allen’s leadership at Midway ISD offers a model for the future of education—one that balances accountability with growth, structure with innovation, and high expectations with meaningful support. His insights remind us that true educational leadership is about empowerment, transformation, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed.
Would you trust high school students to build an airplane? Dr. Allen’s approach to education shows that with the right guidance, mentorship, and real-world challenges, students can exceed our expectations and achieve greatness.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify below:
Have a great week ahead,
CT
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