Jason Callahan
Assistant Secretary of Student Pathways and Opportunities
Indiana Department of Education
Indianapolis, IN USA
“Happiness is the pursuit of doing something important even when it’s difficult.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationJason Callahan
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I knew that getting an education was important but I was hesitant to incur debt when I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.
I found that joining the military could lead to getting my education paid for, so I decided to enlist in the Air Force.
After four years in the Air Force, I pursued my education—I started at a community college in Washington and then transferred to Ball State University, where I got my degree in English Education.
After graduating, I became an English teacher at Daleville Junior-Senior High School.
A mentor encouraged me to go to graduate school, so I went back to Ball State University and earned my master’s degree in educational leadership.
When my wife and I started our family, I wanted a better work-life balance, so I left the classroom and took a job in administration as an assistant principal.
Quickly thereafter, I moved up to principal and then superintendent, which I did for about 10 years.
When Dr. Katie Jenner became Indiana Secretary of Education, she tapped me to serve as the assistant secretary, where I’m currently working to improve the education system in Indiana.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
English Education
Ball State University
English Education
Ball State University
Graduate
Educational Leadership and Administration
Ball State University
Educational Leadership and Administration
Ball State University
Career
Assistant Secretary of Student Pathways and Opportunities
I work to improve the education system in Indiana by creating pathways and opportunities for our students.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Government
Accomplishing Goals
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Define your purpose by figuring out what your passion and values are. Then define your goals and understand the process. Be willing to learn and ask questions. Surround yourself with people who have been successful, especially in the field you're interested in, and that you can learn from.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I don't know what I'm doing. I can't do this."
