Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Talks Dream-Come-True Moments at Mansfield ISD
By Office of Communication
Posted on January 30, 2020, January 30, 2020

Earlier this month, Mansfield ISD celebrated the career of now-retired superintendent Dr. Jim Vaszauskas. Mansfield ISD also serves parts of Arlington. 

Dr. V., as he is affectionately known, was with the district for more than a decade. He is credited with overhauling curriculum and implementing groundbreaking teaching strategies. 

Vaszauskas changed thousands of lives over the years — thanks to educators who did the same for him.

"My passion for education started when I was in high school," Vaszauskas said. "I was called a leader for the first time. I was called smart. I didn't think I was smart, I didn't think I was a leader. But they saw something in me I didn't see in myself."

Those interactions, and a desire to provide that same motivation to others, prompted Vaszauskas to go into education. He taught high school English and coached basketball before moving into an administrative role. 

When Vaszauskas arrived at Mansfield ISD, Dr. Sarah Jandrucko was already on staff, working to create an academy for early learning. Vaszauskas picked up that mantle and helped open the Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners in Arlington. The school incorporates learning through play and features 18 classrooms, each inspired by a different theme.

"People from across the country have come to Arlington to see that facility," Vaszauskas said. "So many of them are going back and their original idea has changed into following our dream. Arlington really, in a huge way, is leading early literacy in the entire United States."

Vaszauskas defines the American dream as service to others and says MISD made that dream possible.

"I think we have a servant heart in this district. It's helping others come along the path, making their path a little easier. When you do that, it'll be paid forward years over," Vaszauskas said. 

To see more American Dream stories, click here.

Dr. Jim Vaszauskas

American Dream City, MyArlingtonTV, Mansfield ISD
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