Imagine the thrill of stepping onto the “America’s Got Talent” stage, your heart pounding with uncertainty, unsure if you truly belong among the stars. The lights are blinding, the judges intimidating, and the audience—who knows how they’ll react?

Then, something incredible happens. As your voice fills the auditorium, you watch in awe as the audience leaps to their feet. They’re clapping, cheering, singing along. Tears well up in your eyes as you realize they see something you hadn’t fully recognized in you.

In many ways, school is much like that stage. Every day, students walk into classrooms with varying levels of confidence. Some know they are talented, while others aren’t so sure. The question for educators is: How do we make every child feel like the contestant who gets that unexpected standing ovation?

The Power of Feeling Seen

When you watch “America’s Got Talent,” there’s a moment when the audience’s reaction transforms a contestant’s self-perception. The contestant enters the stage feeling like no one, but leaves feeling like someone. This is not just about the performance itself; it’s about the robust validation when someone—especially someone you admire—recognizes your potential.

In our schools, students often feel the same uncertainty, questioning their abilities and wondering if they can succeed. As educators, we have to be the ones to change how they view themselves and their possibilities. It’s about giving the quiet student with a hidden talent a chance to shine in front of peers, supporting the struggling learner who just needs a different approach, or encouraging the confident student who thrives on a new challenge.

These mini, standing ovations that acknowledge and celebrate students’ abilities can change the trajectory of their lives. Research shows that when children feel seen by trusted adults and connected to their school, they have higher attendance rates, perform better academically, and are less likely to misbehave. It’s incredible just how much the right word of encouragement or a well-timed compliment can profoundly impact a student.

At Eastern Hancock Schools, we intentionally create moments of joy and connection for students to feel seen and valued. From celebrating growth as much as achievement to senior exit interviews that honor their unique journeys, we ensure that every student leaves our classrooms with confidence in their abilities, belief in their potential and a clear sense of their worth.

Creating a Stage for Real-World Success

Many students struggle with the “game” of school, feeling disconnected or unsure of how their education connects to their future. Eastern Hancock aims to change that by inviting students to explore real-world opportunities outside our school doors.

Through our work-based learning programs, 25% of our students gain hands-on experience in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, education and engineering. Students see themselves as productive contributors to society and gain the confidence that their unique talents have value. At the same time, we work to make classroom experiences more relevant by tying lessons to practical, real-life applications.

This work is not just about preparing students for jobs; it’s about helping them envision their place in the world and their potential to make meaningful contributions. For students who feel unseen in traditional academic settings, work-based learning provides a pivotal moment of connection between their efforts and tangible success, whether they are solving real problems for employers, developing professional skills, or experiencing the pride of a paycheck.

Celebrating Every Student’s Strengths

Ultimately, education aims to help every child move from unseen to unstoppable. It’s about nurturing not just the minds of our students but their spirits as well. When students feel valued and seen, they begin to see themselves differently. They take on challenges more confidently, collaborate more effectively and push themselves further than they ever thought possible.

In the same way that a standing ovation can be a pivotal moment for a contestant on America’s Got Talent, students' validation and encouragement in school can be life changing. It can transform their self-doubt into self-belief and their potential into reality. Focusing on these moments of connection and recognition ensures every student leaves our schools feeling like someone—someone who is talented, capable, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

About the author

Dr. George Philhower is the superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools, a rural district located just east of Indianapolis. George is driven by a vision where every student and staff member wakes up eager to go to school each day. He believes this is possible when everyone feels safe and valued, has opportunities for success, engages in meaningful work, plays and learns with friends, and is supported by caring adults. George holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University, a Master’s in Instructional Leadership from the University of Indianapolis, and both an Ed.S. and Ph.D. from Indiana State University.