Shows
KindlED | The Prenda PodcastEpisode 79: Public Microschools Making a Difference. A Conversation with George Philhower.We explore how clear promises to families can reshape a district and spark a statewide network of microschools. George shares the roadmap from listening to homeschoolers to opening a K–12 site at a campground, plus the courage and imposter syndrome that come with big dreams.• four promises as the foundation for culture and decisions• replacing compliance‑driven teacher evaluation with growth• enrollment insights from homeschool and virtual families• designing a statewide charter and governance model• launching a K–12 microschool at a youth campground• multi‑age, self‑paced, hands‑on learning in small groups• founder sup...
2025-10-3039 min
Praxis JourneysBuilding Joyful Schools: George Philhower's Journey to Leading with PurposeIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in rural Indiana, to explore how intentional leadership and a commitment to culture can transform a district. George shares his personal journey—from overcoming learning challenges as a student to becoming a passionate advocate for joy, connection, growth, and success in education.Listeners will hear how Eastern Hancock became a school of choice for 40% of its students, despite its remote location and lack of transportation. George reveals the district’s innovative practices, including hiring parties, a Director of Employee Experience, and the nati...
2025-09-1638 min
AUHSD Future TalksAUHSD Future Talks: Episode 128 (George Philhower)In this episode of AUHSD Future Talks, Superintendent Matsuda interviews Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools. During the talk, Dr. Philhower discusses his journey, joy in schools, connecting joy to a career pathway, work-based learning experiences, the value of higher education, measuring student learning, microschooling, the role of artificial intelligence, being a kayak, and building innovation/being nimble.
2025-08-0622 min
Steve Barkley Ponders Out LoudPlan for Playfulness, Connection, and FlowPlanning for the start of a new school year, we should intentionally design for playfulness, connection, and flow—the elements that are core to fun and joy. It’s not just about better lessons— but better experiences. Experiences that students will remember, that teachers will find energizing, and that build both engagement and joy. Whether it’s a surprise horse outside a classroom window or a red-carpet moment for staff, fun has the power to transform not just how we feel—but how we learn, connect, and grow.
Watch Catherine Price’s TED talk here.
Hear the entire...
2025-07-2416 min
Hancock on the HorizonPrepping the Future Workforce Part II: Greenfield-Central SchoolsThis month’s episode continues our five-part series on how Hancock County schools are preparing young people for the future workforce. After an excellent interview with Dr. George Philhower of Eastern Hancock Schools in June we’re making Part II all about Greenfield-Central Schools with Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin, Assistant Superintendent Jason Cary, and Greenfield-Central High School Principal Dan Walbaum. In our conversation, we talk about how GC goes about career and technical education and work-based learning, as well as what the exciting future holds for a new career center under development in the county.If you’re int...
2025-07-0817 min
Getting Smart PodcastHow Can Schools Be Transformed By Joy? | George PhilhowerIn this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers has a vibrant conversation with Superintendent Dr. George Philhower to explore how joy, alongside connection, growth, and success, forms the core of their educational commitments. Learn about their innovative initiatives, like the Joy Integration Specialist role and Joy Jam conference, which transform learning experiences by fostering genuine curiosity and purpose. Join us to see how these efforts are not just enhancing academic engagement but also preparing students for real-world challenges with confidence and credentials. Whether you're an educator, parent, or community leader, this episode offers valuable insights into creating...
2025-06-1134 min
Hancock on the HorizonPrepping the Future Workforce Part I: Eastern Hancock SchoolsIn Hancock County, Indiana, there’s a lot of thought and energy invested into preparing the local workforce, starting with the young people enrolled in its excellent schools. In this episode, Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools, tells us all about how the school district gives students opportunities to explore careers, engage with the real world, and have authentic experiences. He talks about how the school corporation tracks data on students’ career interests and uses that information to secure work-based learning opportunities in the community. Dr. Philhower also recalls his travels to Switzerland, where he learned about that...
2025-06-0333 min
LiberatED PodcastPublic microschooling gains popularity and supportToday's guest is George Philhower, Superintendent of the Eastern Hancock Public Schools in rural Charlottesville, Indiana, who is launching and leading the new Indiana Microschool Collaborative, a non-profit network designed to bring the microschooling model into the public education system. Read more about public microschooling in Kerry's latest Forbes.com article. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.
2025-05-2740 min
Exceptional Educators Podcast by FrenalyticsEDUEmbracing Joy in Education: George Philhower on Community-Centered LeadershipDr. George Philhower is the superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools, where his intentional leadership and commitment to inclusion helped earn the district recognition as one of Indiana’s best places to work. In this episode, he shares key strategies such as the Joy Jam Conference, and his CAFE (Community and Family Engagement) initiative to strengthen the districts’ education quality and school culture. Drawing from his background in special education, George leads with four guiding promises: Joy, Connection, Growth, and Success.Listen to our episode with George to hear his experience and insights gained from leading Eastern Hancock Scho...
2025-05-0735 min
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.
Subscribe to the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast on iTunes or visit BarkleyPD.com to find new episodes!
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
Principal Office HoursThe 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