2026 Summer Symposium

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.

Today's students are navigating unprecedented levels of anxiety, disconnection, and dependence. Yet, they are also creative, compassionate, and full of potential. Drawing on key ideas from The Anxious Generation, The Amazing Generation, and Let Grow, this session explores how schools can intentionally balance connection, independence, and belonging to better support student well-being and growth. 

Participants will examine how overprotection, reduced autonomy, and limited opportunities for meaningful responsibility impact student resilience and how relationship-centered, SEL practices can reverse these trends. Through reflection, discussion, and practical examples, educators will learn how to create environments that empower students take healthy risks, build confidence, and develop essential life skills, while maintaining strong, supportive relationships. 

Get ready to create and inspire other like-minded educators using everyday materials from the dollar store. Each table team will work with identical sets of items from Dollar Tree to design an activity for your students aligned with one of the 5 SEL competencies. Leave feeling connected and empowered from sharing and exploring innovative ideas that showcase creativity, collaboration, and budget-friendly learning.

Get ready to create and inspire other like-minded educators using everyday materials from the dollar store. Each table team will work with identical sets of items from Dollar Tree to design an activity for your students aligned with one of the 5 SEL competencies. Leave feeling connected and empowered from sharing and exploring innovative ideas that showcase creativity, collaboration, and budget-friendly learning.