by Jason McCleod, Middle School Humanities Teacher at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, FL
1. Who are your favorite writers?
I love Colson Whitehead and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ ability to draw in the audience with their structure and intention.
2. Who are your heroes in real life?
My real-life heroes are my grandmothers. They are both a perfect blend of caring, confident, and comedic. They instilled all three Cs in me from an early age, and I am eternally grateful for all they continue to accomplish themselves and on my behalf.
3. Who or what motivated you to become an educator?
My mentor, Jonathan Stellman, was my 10th-grade English teacher and the football team’s defensive coordinator. I saw and experienced his impact on the field and in the classroom. I hope to mirror his balance of intellectual guidance and athletic leadership by shaping students and athletes into thoughtful, confident individuals.
4. Your idea of happiness…
Good music – I enjoy listening to newly released albums and the classics that drive culture.
Good people – My family is my happy place, and my friends give me very okay advice.
Good vibes – Sometimes a good vibe is napping, other times a good vibe is working out in solitude.
5. In a nutshell, what is your definition of leadership?
Leadership is about authenticity, communication, and accountability. Leaders must build genuine relationships, amplify voices unheard, and seek diversity in presentation and experience. Leadership is setting a goal and creating a path for community stakeholders to reach this goal.
6. What do you most value in your friends?
Kindness, joy, and honesty.
7. What do you do for self-renewal?
I work out or enjoy nature.
8. Who is your hero/ heroine of fiction?
My hero is The Joker (Joaquin Phoenix).
9. What is your current state of mind?
Scrambled, with cheese!
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Jason McCleod teaches middle school Humanities and is the head football coach at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, FL, his high school alma mater. McCleod earned All-Ivy League honors as a defensive back for the University of Pennsylvania Quakers, sang in an a cappella group, and graduated with a degree in political science and a minor in music. He also holds a master’s in communications from Sacred Heart University. Jason graduated from the gcLi Leadership Lab in June 2024 and is a recipient of the gcLi Leadership Grant. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.