This summer, I was asked a question I had never considered before as a superintendent: “Which door should the horse come in?”

If you’re trying to unravel this clever educational metaphor, let me just stop you. This was a genuine logistical inquiry as we planned our second annual Joy Jam, a two-day summer conference designed to bring joy to education. For the first time in my career, I had to seriously consider how to get a horse into a school building — along with deciding where to put the puppies, a petting zoo and enough candy to make a dentist cringe.

The goal of Joy Jam is simple but profound: to create an atmosphere where educators can momentarily set aside the pressures of their work and immerse themselves in pure, unbridled joy.

At Eastern Hancock Schools, we believe joy is so essential to education that we, with the support of the Indiana Department of Education, devote two days to celebrating it with teachers from across the state and country. Joy Jam is more than an event: It’s a declaration that joy is at the heart of everything we do. 

Joy is the spark that ignites curiosity, the bond that strengthens relationships, and the energy that drives meaningful progress.

The power of intentional joy

The gravity of our work in education is pulling us away from a place of joy to one of frustration and exhaustion. School absenteeism rates are soaring among both students and teachers. Here in Indiana, student attendance is improving, but chronic absenteeism is still at 17.8%. Nationwide, teacher absences are worse now than during the pandemic, and trying to fill positions is getting harder by the minute.

While there are many reasons behind the crisis, when schools aren’t spaces of connection, inspiration, and joy, people — whether students or staff — disengage. At Eastern Hancock, we know that if we want to center joy in our schools and create a culture of belonging, our efforts must be intentional. 

We launched Joy Jam to remind ourselves and others why we love this work and to demonstrate what’s possible when joy is at the forefront.

Joy and learning: A powerful combination

Joy is not just a feel-good addition, but a powerful learning driver. If we want to help kids learn new things they will remember, we have to give them experiences they will never forget. 

Research shows that emotions play a critical role in how we retain information. When we experience joy, curiosity or excitement, the brain releases chemicals that enhance memory and understanding. So often, the best lessons happen outside of textbooks — during field trips, creative projects and spontaneous moments that capture students’ imagination.

Joy Jam embodies this philosophy. It challenges educators to think beyond traditional lessons and tests, and to design experiences that students will carry with them long after they leave the classroom. Whether through a live performance, an interactive workshop or, yes, even a mini horse walking through the school, we’re crafting moments that connect learning with joy.

Inspiring and creating joyful experiences

This past July, more than 400 enthusiastic Joy Jam attendees packed into Eastern Hancock High School for networking, learning opportunities and fun-filled activities.

Our incredible speakers inspired educators with practical strategies and actionable ideas they could reimagine as their own to bring more joy and engagement into their classrooms, from creating magical moments in everyday lessons to building a school culture that celebrates effort and success.

But we didn’t stop there. 

We wanted attendees to truly experience joy in every aspect of the event. When people registered, we asked them what kind of candy brought them joy, and we made sure we had all their favorites — from chocolate bars to gummy bears — in our candy and snack room. They could also hit up the barista bar for complimentary coffee and flavored soda and even play with puppies between sessions.

Joy Jam was designed to be a place where teachers and leaders could reconnect with what makes them feel alive, no strings attached. That’s why the entire event was free — because we believe that joy should be free. 

We created an environment where educators felt valued and appreciated, could relax and recharge, and be reminded of why they entered this profession in the first place.

Joy Jam 2025: Bigger, better and beyond

Joy Jam isn’t just a conference — it’s a movement. It’s a declaration that we, as educators, can transform our schools into places where joy is as central as reading, writing and arithmetic.

As we look ahead to Joy Jam 2025, scheduled for July 15 and 16, we plan to make it even more unforgettable with incredible speakers and surprises that push the boundaries of what professional development can be. We want to keep raising the bar, showing that joy isn’t just something to talk about but something to live, breathe and experience. 

If we want people to be present, engaged and thriving, joy can’t be an afterthought. It must be a priority. As educators and administrators, let’s keep pushing past the ordinary. Let’s continue to challenge ourselves to create moments that spark joy. And let’s make sure that, no matter what door the horse comes in, our schools are always open to joy. 

If we want students to learn in ways that stick, we must give them experiences they’ll never forget.