88 - “Learning for the Real World” ft. Simon Hauger

SIMON HAUGER, DIRECTOR OF R&D AT PROJECT BASED LEARNING INC., PRINCIPAL & CO-FOUNDER WORKSHOP SCHOOL

‍Today on the podcast, Simon Hauger is an engineer turned high school math and science teacher with 25+ years of experience in urban education. Simon developed a passion for experiential, problem-based learning early in his career. He started the West Philly Hybrid X Team where his students designed and built award winning hybrid and electric powered vehicles. In 2010 and again 2014, Simon and his students were honored by President Obama at the White House.

‍In 2012, Simon and a few of his colleagues launched the Workshop School, a public high school located in West Philadelphia. The Workshop School challenges students to solve real world problems, and organizes teaching and learning in service of doing so. As principal of the school, Simon collaboratively led a team of educators in the design and implementation of a new school model. The school continues to be a powerful example of what students and adults are capable of when they are trusted, challenged and equipped to do meaningful work. Simon continues to support the Workshop School as he and one of his colleagues look to take this model of education into post-secondary education.