In this conversation with Dr. Peggy Buffington from the Hobart School District, we explore what it looks like to build a future-focused school system while honoring the traditions and values that make a community strong.

Known as the Brickies, Hobart has embraced the mindset of “building the future one brick at a time,” combining innovation, work ethic, and opportunity to create powerful outcomes for students. Peggy shares how the district chose not to fear artificial intelligence when tools like ChatGPT emerged, but instead created teacher pilot groups to explore how AI could expand learning opportunities for students and staff.

We also dive into Hobart’s remarkable early college program, where students can graduate with associate’s degrees, college credits, and industry certifications in areas like Adobe, Microsoft, Autodesk, and healthcare. The program not only saves families thousands of dollars, but also helps students discover meaningful career pathways before making expensive post-secondary decisions.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss:

Peggy also shares how Hobart’s culture encourages educators to take risks, share ideas openly, and continue learning together while staying deeply connected to the traditions that define the district.

If you are interested in AI in education, innovative leadership, early college pathways, or creating schools that prepare students for an ever-changing future, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring stories.

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Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

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