Deeper Learning 2026

Research shows that trust is initiated in a cascade of internal chemical reactions that open the doorway to unsurpassed teamwork, strong relationships, and a boost in mental health.
This session is ideal for leaders committed to cultivating more joy, generosity, and connection in their schools and classrooms.
Participants will be treated to activities, games, and reflective prompts that practice developing trust .
Attendees will leave with 3 simple activities, and endless iterations, to bring back to your schools to foster fun and connection, resulting in trust and transformation.

Place-based experiential learning or “fieldwork” sounds good on paper, but how do you implement a robust, meaningful fieldwork program without ample money, time, and people? In this session, we will venture off-campus to demonstrate how even a simple experience can spark learning, ground existing lessons, and support cross-disciplinary connections. Participants will be challenged to connect the experience to their own disciplines and communities, and to consider how low lift experiences can be just as impactful to students as elaborate ones. Hear directly from students about why fieldwork is worth it, and brainstorm with fellow school leaders and educators how to surmount real barriers. Teachers will leave the session with a draft of a fieldwork experience for their context. School/district leaders will leave with a plan on how to empower teachers to embed fieldwork in their courses.

Lunch is included in each deep dive.
LUNCH MENU
Greek Salad (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Cannelini Bean & Pasta Salad (Vegan)
Lemon Basmati Rice (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Mediterranean Spiced Chicken (Gluten-Free)
Tahini Dressing
Falafel (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Roasted Vegetables   Lemon Bars & Baklava

This session is for school and district leaders who want to build culture with intention through well-designed rituals and experiences for staff and their teams. Building culture is a continuous process of sending signals that build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose. Drawing on the work of Daniel Coyle (author of The Culture Code), this session will explore multiple methods for growing a culture committed to bringing out the best in everyone. Participants will learn through storytelling and prototyping their own rituals or cultural moments.