The purpose of education is to guide the development of whole, thriving, informed, and thoughtful human beings. Human development and learning are not separate domains, but part of a deeply interconnected whole that is influenced by culture, context, safety, relationships, and the world. Cognitive Scientist Scott Barry Kaufman has reframed Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” not as a rigid pyramid (which Maslow never created), but as a sailboat—where a secure base of safety and social relationships supports the sail of curiosity, exploration, and purpose for human thriving. Similarly, brain systems related to belonging, emotion, motivation, meaning, and thinking don’t operate in isolation—they work together as a dynamic, integrated neural network. This interdisciplinary conference will explore how these core human needs are linked with learning and brain function.

Discover science-informed strategies to improve a sense of belonging in schools; build social connections, collaboration, and collective intelligence; foster critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity in students; promote academic motivation and purpose; and enhance science and reading skills. Learn how to nurture and guide child development for whole, thriving, knowledgeable, social, collaborative, engaged, curious, creative, critical thinkers.