The Third Annual
Cultures of Thinking Summit
Del Mar, California
Hosted by Del Mar Union School District at Pacific Sky School
January 29 & 30, 2027
“Adventures in San Diego” offered Jan. 31 and Classroom Observations will take place on February 1 .
It’s official! We are now planning for our Third CoT Summit. Join the mailing list to receive notification when registration opens in September 2027.
Who are our students becoming as thinkers and learners as a result of their time with us?
Come join with us as we create a community of educators committed to developing their students as powerful thinkers and learners. This goal sits side-by-side with the support of students’ deep learning, academic preparation, feelings of belonging, and sense of agency. The Cultures of Thinking Summit is an opportunity to Immerse yourself in meaningful conversation, rich exploration, and joyous engagements that will equip you to better guide, support, and nurture a culture of thinking amongst the learners you lead. At the CoT Summit you will build a network of support for your ongoing efforts and gather the tools, frameworks, practices, and understanding that will sustain your journey over the long haul. Just like the work of creating cultures of thinking in our school, the CoT Summit is a transformative experience, changing and challenging our assumptions about what constitutes a quality education.
During this two-day conference we will build community around the practices, ideas, and mission of fostering students as powerful thinkers and learner ready to take their place in the world. Extend your learning with optional days of explorations at local museums and through structured observations in classrooms immediately following the main Summit days.
Read what participants have to say about their Cultures of Thinking Summit experience.
“This was exactly what I needed to take my practice to the next level. I have returned to my school feeling inspired and excited to enact these ideas!”
"The Summit deeply enriched my professional learning by inspiring me with fresh perspectives and practical strategies that I can directly incorporate into my teaching practice. I left feeling energized and full of ideas, particularly around making thinking more visible and designing richer learning experiences for students."
"I was really glad that I could come with a small group of co-workers. It made such a difference to be able to discuss how we would apply what we were learning. I LOVED being able to observe in the school on Monday. Seeing students there was incredible."
"The profound sense that ideas, no matter their origin, would be welcomed and honored. People were ready to meet, connect, and share which speaks to the true culture of this work. Thank you for bringing so many bright lights together for our collective growth."
"All the presenters were outstanding; committed to these ideas and presenting them in engaging and interactive ways."
"I felt appreciated as a human being— fed, given breaks, offered variety of seating, given space to synthesize my ideas—I felt seen as a student and loved that you all took care to address our needs so we could be present."
"I especially appreciated the choice of breakout sessions. I found both of my sessions very valuable. It was nice to choose topics that connected to my own personal learning."
"Keynote presentations were inspirational and connected ideas to inform practice. The host school is an incredible environment. The deep dives set the tone for active in-depth learning and reflection. Cafe time was just right sized for puzzling and connecting with colleagues. Break out sessions were full of energized participants willing to take good risks."
