Cultures of Thinking Summit 2027

Every school and classroom tells a story of learning--what it feels and looks like, and how it truly works to foster deep, lasting understanding. Too often, external pressures push us toward simply "getting through the work," which diminishes the rich potential of this story for both students and educators.
This deep dive workshop is for everyone—especially those new to Cultures of Thinking, as well as those seeking a regrounding in its core principles. We will explore the vital question posed by the Cultures of Thinking project: How can we design and nurture learning spaces to become vibrant cultures where thinking is valued, visible, and actively developed?
Building a thinking culture is dynamic, especially since thinking itself is largely invisible. This session will focus on the role we play in creating conditions where thinking can thrive visibly within our learners--offering essential orientation for newcomers and practical refreshers for those with some experience. We will explore how to make sophisticated intellectual processes--such as close looking, questioning, uncovering complexity, and considering perspectives—explicit and commonplace. Join us to connect with the fundamental ideas of the Worldwide Cultures of Thinking Project and leave ready to engage fully in the CoT Summit sessions and craft a more thoughtful, engaged, and meaningful story of learning in your own setting.