Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, shares his journey as an educator and leader dedicated to creating school environments where students wake up excited to learn each day.

George reflects on his early struggles as a student, how they shaped his passion for education, and his path from special education teacher to superintendent. He discusses how his district prioritizes student engagement, personalized learning, and strong community connections to ensure all students feel valued and prepared for life beyond high school.

Key topics covered include:

• 🎓 Meeting individually with every junior and senior to support career exploration and post-graduation planning
• 🏫 Creating a learner-centered culture through four core promises: Joy, Connection, Growth, and Success
• 🤝 Building strong community partnerships to provide real-world learning experiences
• 🛠️ Developing career-connected pathways, including hands-on programs in healthcare and construction
• 📊 Rethinking traditional measures of success to focus on student well-being, engagement, and long-term outcomes
• 🎉 Hosting “Joy Jam,” a professional learning conference centered on creating joyful, engaging schools