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Dr. Phil
Founder / CEO PlaBook, Professional Speaker
Professional Background
Dr. Phil Will is a distinguished educator and visionary leader in academic services, currently serving as the Founder and CEO of MindAble Solutions and PlaBook. His career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to enhancing educational experiences and fostering leadership in various capacities, most notably as the former Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), the seventh-largest school district in the United States. During his tenure at HISD, Dr. Will oversaw a network of 283 schools and a diverse student body of over 210,000. He led multiple departments pivotal to student success, including academics, health and wellness services, after-school programs, and mental health supports. His strategic initiatives, such as the district-wide Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and attendance improvement initiatives, have played instrumental roles in bolstering academic achievement across the district.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Will's educational foundation is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University, where he also completed an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Additionally, he earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, demonstrating a thorough commitment to his professional growth and expertise in the field of education.
His quest for knowledge continued with an Ed.S. in School Psychology and a Master of Education in Education and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication Disorders. Dr. Will's broad educational background gives him a unique perspective on student welfare, academic policy, and educational leadership.
Achievements
Dr. Phil Will is not only a passionate educator but also a best-selling author, known for his contributions to educational literature and leadership development. His publications serve as valuable resources for educators seeking innovative strategies for enhancing student learning and success. Beyond his writing, his experience as an education consultant allows him to influence educational practices on a broader level.
His career includes significant positions such as the Chief Executive Officer at PlaBook Education and Senior Manager at Oracle, where he honed his leadership and technological expertise. Dr. Will's prior roles as a Senior Project Manager at Cerner Federal Solutions LLC and co-founder at WeCodeKC reflect his commitment to integrating technology in education. Notably, his service as a National Ambassador at the U.S. Department of Education highlights Dr. Will's dedication to leading and advocating for educational reforms.
Dr. Will's influence extends to the community level, where he has held various board positions, such as Vice Chair at Turn the Page KC and Board Member for Freedom School at the Children's Defense Fund. His involvement in the Education Committee at Urban Summit and as an Assistant Superintendent/Director of Education at Genesis Promise Academy demonstrates his dedication to shaping the future of education in meaningful ways. His early connection to sports, as a Ball Boy for the Kansas City Royals, underscores his diverse experiences, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration—skills he seamlessly integrates into his educational philosophy.
