Dave Heighington

About Dave Heighington

I am an education leader, EdTech innovator, and student-centered learning advocate with 15+ years of experience designing and leading high-impact, experiential learning programs. My expertise spans school leadership, curriculum development, project-based learning (PBL), career and technical education (CTE), instructional design, technology integration, and strategic planning. As the Founding Executive Director of Exploration High School, I launched a groundbreaking public charter school focused on student agency, career exploration, and real-world learning pathways. I have a proven track record in program development, school transformation, educational technology implementation, and community partnership building, and I am passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to enhance student engagement, improve access to education, and drive equity in learning. Throughout my career, I have specialized in competency-based education, personalized learning, and experiential pedagogy, ensuring students have access to hands-on, industry-aligned learning opportunities that prepare them for college, career, and lifelong success. At Exploration High School, I expanded enrollment by 50%, launched career pathways in construction, culinary arts, and civic engagement, and secured grants to fund high-quality career and industry exploration programs. I have extensive experience in instructional leadership, professional development for educators, and technology-driven learning solutions, equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills. I am particularly interested in AI, adaptive learning platforms, learning management systems (LMS), digital assessment tools, gamification, and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) in education. My focus includes learning experience design (LXD), UX/UI in educational technology, and workforce development programs that bridge the gap between K-12 education, postsecondary pathways, and the future of work. Specialties: Strategic planning & execution; instructional design & curriculum development; stakeholder engagement & partnership building; budget management & financial oversight; team leadership, coaching & staff development; event planning & coordination; operations management; policy development & compliance; data-driven decision-making; technology integration & digital transformation; grant writing & fundraising strategy; workforce & career pathway program design; public speaking & workshop facilitation; crisis management & conflict resolution; educational research & policy advocacy

Experience

1. Founding Executive Director

   Exploration High School

   Jan 2020 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   Established a groundbreaking public charter school - first in 10 years in the Twin Cities - with a mission to empower students through project-based learning and career exploration- Designed and implemented programs focusing on student agency, career readiness, and personalized learning pathways, including internships and certifications- Managed a $3 million annual budget, overseeing fiscal planning, fundraising, and strategic allocation to support school priorities- Built a diverse and talented team by recruiting, hiring, and mentoring staff, including teachers and administrators- Spearheaded community outreach, forming partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities to enhance educational opportunities- Achieved a 96% student support satisfaction rate and a 93% year-to-year student retention rate- Expanded enrollment by 50% within the first three years and successfully transitioned the school to a new campus.

Education

• University of San Francisco

  Master's degree, Organization and Leadership

  2013 — 2015

• Boston College

  Bachelor's degree, Elementary Education and English

  2006 — 2010

• Saint John's Seminary

  Bachelor's degree, Philosophy

  2010 — 2012