Name: Joy is a Discipline: Leading with Light When the Work Feels Heavy
Start: 2026-06-09T10:00:00-0500
End: 2026-06-09T10:50:00-0500

Joy is a Discipline: Leading with Light When the Work Feels Heavy

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Nelson Room

Most educators don’t need another strategy. They need a way to keep showing up without losing themselves.

When the work feels heavy, joy is often treated as something we’ll get back later, after things calm down. But for educators leading in constant pressure, that day never comes.

In this session, Dan Cox reframes joy as a discipline, not a mood or mindset; one that protects identity, strengthens connection, and keeps educators in the work with purpose. Drawing from decades of school leadership, adult SEL practices, and the lessons of endurance training, Dan offers a grounded, honest look at what it means to lead with light when you’re running on empty.

If you’re exhausted but still expected to lead with presence, patience, and care, this session isn’t optional, it’s fuel.

Speakers

Dan Cox

Founder | CEO, Endurance Edge

Dan Cox is a former superintendent turned leadership coach and speaker who works at the intersection of adult SEL, resilience, and real-world leadership, where the work is heavy and expectations never let up.
With more than 25 years in education, including 15 as a superintendent... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Nelson Room

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2026 Summer Symposium

Dan Cox

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2026 Summer Symposium

Dan Cox

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