2025 Summer Symposium

Post COVID, educator burnout and disruptive student behavior has soared to record highs. It has left fragile educational systems stretched to the max. In this session, audience members will gain a new lens, the Polyvagal Theory, through which to interpret the current state of education. Not only will participants be able to view the current crisis differently, they will begin to understand what needs to be done differently to effectively address the current moment.

Felt safety is a relatively new term in education. It contrasts with concepts of school safety that are focused on securing the school environment or reducing violent incidents and physical harm. These valid school safety efforts (i.e. active shooter drills, fire drills, metal detectors, resource officers, locked doors, bullet-proof glass, etc) remind us that danger is ever-lurking. In this conference session, participants learn and experience the concept of felt–safety — a regulated state in the body. They gain an embodied understanding of how this ventral vagal state supports sequential brain development and prosocial behaviors in the classroom (adult and student).

Harness the power of brain science to transform learning and behavior in your school! Join Your Amazing Brain author Jessica Sinarski as she breaks down complex concepts into engaging, classroom-friendly strategies. Walk away energized, equipped, and ready to make neuroscience a powerful—and playful—part of your daily work.