Shows
Steve Barkley Ponders Out LoudA District’s Focus on Inspiring and Creating Joyful ExperiencesWhat happens when a school system makes four promises as their mission: joy, connection, growth, and success and consider joy as the lead to the others happening? "If we want people to be present, engaged, and thriving, joy can’t be an afterthought. It must be a priority." (George Philhower, Superintendent Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana) Hear about their summer Joy Jam conference for educators.
Visit the Eastern Hancock Schools website here.
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2025-04-1023 min
The Learner-Centered Collaborative PodcastEpisode 40: The Power of Joy in Learning (with George Philhower)What if school was a place where every student woke up excited to go each morning? In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, to explore how joy, connection, growth, and success are transforming the student experience.George shares how his personal struggles in school shaped his leadership and why he believes in rethinking education from the ground up. He dives into the innovative ways his district engages students and the community, from one-on-one meetings with every junior and senior to hands-on career experiences that make learning relevant. This...2025-03-0450 min
The Growth Over Grades PodcastGeorge Philhower on Cultivating Joy and Growth Through Community-Centered EducationIn this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana. They explore Eastern Hancock's innovative approach to education built on four key promises: joy, connection, growth, and success. George shares insights on hosting the Joy Jam conference, transitioning from teacher evaluation to a teacher growth system, and developing a Portrait of a Graduate through meaningful community partnerships. Drawing from his background in special education and his six years as superintendent, he discusses how districts can create learning environments where students thrive by prioritizing emotional connections to learning, authentic community engagement...2025-02-1851 min
K12 Ed ConfidentialJoyful Learning: Building Schools That Inspire and Empower - S1:E7Dr. Clayton Wilcox and Ray McNulty are joined by Dr. George Philhower for a powerful discussion on creating schools where students experience joy in learning and where education serves as a pillar of support for both communities and families. Together, they’ll explore how to design schools that foster engagement, inspire curiosity, and create meaningful, lasting impact for students and the communities they serve.2025-02-1335 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS05E06 - Leading with Joy | Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent, Eastern Hancock SchoolsIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana since 2021. Previously he was an administrator for 13 years at Western Wayne Schools, another rural Indiana district. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Cardinal Stritch University, a master’s in educational leadership and administration from the University of Indianapolis, and both an Ed.S. and Ph.D. from Indiana State University.Some Questions We Ask:Tell us more about your career as a superintendent. (01:33)What brings you joy in bein...2025-01-1619 min
Engaging LeadershipThe Power of Promises: Transforming Education with Joy and ConnectionJoin CT and Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools, as they explore the transformative approach to education focused on four core promises: joy, connection, growth, and success. Dr. Philhower shares insights from his career, highlighting how Eastern Hancock Schools creates an environment where both students and educators thrive. Discover the district’s innovative programs, such as work-based learning, and how reimagining teacher evaluations prioritizes professional development. Learn strategies for empowering educators, fostering strong relationships, and promoting holistic growth and inclusivity in educational settings.Key Takeaways: The Four Promises:Joy: Creating a joyful le...2024-12-1939 min
Leading Through Unprecedented TimesHow Can You Lead with Joy? (with George Philhower)Guest: George Philhower, Superintendent, CSC of Eastern Hancock County, IN Twitter: https://twitter.com/gphilhower Host: Thomas C. Murray, Director of Innovation, Future Ready Schools, Washington, DC Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thomascmurray Future Ready Schools Website: http://www.FutureReady.org Free Virtual Events: http://www.FutureReady.org/Virtual Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/FutureReady Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FutureReadySchools Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/FutureReadySchools Future Ready Schools is a registered trademark of All4Ed, located in Washington, DC. #FutureReady Audio Credit: MB01GN29HGUXKKK
2023-05-2436 min
Educators Lead with Jay Willis94: George Philhower | As Educational Leaders, It's Not About Our Comfort, It's About Serving The Students | How To Remove Barriers To LearningGeorge Philhower has been an administrator at Western Wayne Schools in East Central Indiana for 7 years. Prior to that he was a special education teacher. George is passionate about the need to create school environments that are flexible enough to adapt to and meet the unique needs of all learners, and he is excited about the steps being taken in his school district to accomplish this goal. Connect with George on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/gphilhower About EducatorsLead: Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level o...2016-07-1856 min
Principally SpeakingPS29: Rethinking High School Design with George PhilhowerIn the 29th episode of the show, I have the privilege of speaking with George Philhower, Assistant Superintendent at Western Wayne Schools in Cambridge City, Indiana. In this district and at Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School they are developing a school-within-a-school model that allows students to move at their own pace and take their own path to success. George explained that he has leaned on the Innovations High School in Salt Lake City, Utah for support and that their Principal Kenneth Grover has been a great deal of help in this process. Mr. Grover will be presenting at the Rich...2015-03-1035 min