A Vision Rooted in Four Promises 

When George Philhower took the helm at Eastern Hancock, he brought with him a vision centered around four core promises: Joy, Connection, Growth, and Success. These promises are not just aspirational goals but are deeply embedded in the daily operations and culture of the school. 

"We built everything around four promises. And for us, those promises are joy, connection, growth, and success. We think every day, what do we want to do to make these people want to be at this place?" Philhower explained. 

These promises serve as a guiding framework for creating an environment where students and staff feel valued and motivated. Joy ensures that every day is filled with moments that make students and staff want to be at school. Connection focuses on making sure everyone feels known by name, strength, interest, future hopes, and dreams. Growth encourages continuous learning and development, while Success prepares students for life beyond graduation, regardless of the path they choose. 

Personal Journey and Leadership Philosophy 

Philhower's journey into education was shaped by his own experiences with learning challenges. "I struggled learning when I was younger, probably like dyslexia and some of those things that were underdiagnosed for a long time," he shared. These experiences have instilled in him a deep empathy and a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. 

"I think intentionality is probably something I think a lot about in terms of my leadership journey," Philhower added, emphasizing the importance of leading with purpose and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

Community Engagement and School Culture 

One of the standout aspects of Eastern Hancock is its strong sense of community. The four promises extend beyond the school walls, influencing the broader community and creating a cohesive and supportive environment. 

"We really work hard to make sure that those things are kind of anthems," Philhower said. "We host a summer conference called Joy Jam to bring intentionality to the idea that joy is something that we need to be intentional about." 

Innovative Approaches to Recruitment and Retention 

Eastern Hancock has implemented creative strategies to attract and retain teachers. From personalized hiring parties to focusing on the overall employee experience, the district has managed to maintain high retention rates despite broader trends of teacher shortages. 

"We have a director of employee experience whose job is to proactively impact positively the employee experience," Philhower explained. "We make sure that you leave with Eastern Hancock swag so that we know that we're welcoming you to the team." 

Professional Development and Growth 

Recognizing the limitations of traditional teacher evaluation systems, Eastern Hancock has developed a new approach focused on professional growth. By eliminating numerical scores and fostering a culture of collaboration and peer learning, the district has created a more supportive and effective environment for teacher development. 

"Our system starts with teachers taking a look at our teaching principles," Philhower noted. "We put the fours all in a single point rubric. Teachers use that rubric to reflect and write out what they think their strengths are and what areas they might want to work on." 

Joy Jam: A Celebration of Joy and Learning 

One of the most unique initiatives at Eastern Hancock is the annual Joy Jam conference. This event, which features speakers, therapy animals, and even circus performances, is designed to create a joyful and engaging experience for educators. The conference embodies the district's commitment to joy and serves as a reminder of the importance of creating positive and memorable experiences in education. 

"We wondered what it would be like if we planned a conference that was not like all of the others that was focused on our promise," Philhower said. "We try to think of what would make people smile and enjoy being in the place." 

Looking Ahead 

Eastern Hancock continues to innovate and strive for excellence. The district's involvement in the Carnegie Foundation's Future of High School Network is just one example of its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. 

"We were lucky enough to be a part of the Future of High School Network," Philhower shared. "I truly believe that high school is that pinnacle experience that the K-8 world is pointing towards." 

George Philhower's leadership at Eastern Hancock is a testament to the power of intentionality, community, and joy in education. By focusing on the holistic development of students and creating a supportive environment for staff, Eastern Hancock is setting a standard for what a positive and effective school culture can look like. As other districts look to innovate and improve, there is much to learn from the strategies and philosophies that have made Eastern Hancock a beacon of joy and connection.