This summer, several Ben Lippen teachers from the lower, middle, and high school divisions had the opportunity to attend a multi-day training at The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning conference. Hosted by Wilson Hall and led by their Head of School, Brent Kaneft, the event focused on integrating Mind Brain Education (MBE) strategies. These research-based approaches empower educators to enhance classroom learning by understanding how the brain works and tailoring their teaching accordingly.

Participants gained valuable insights into brain function and practical techniques to foster student growth. Rather than replacing traditional methods, the conference emphasized blending diverse teaching strategies to meet students’ cognitive needs. Middle school teacher Debbie Young reflected, “The biggest takeaway for me was that the brain is constantly growing and pruning. Knowing this helps you focus on a growth mindset. Every student has the potential to make progress even when the work is hard. They can push through and make connections.”

Throughout the conference, teachers engaged in a mix of in-person and virtual seminars, exploring topics like neuro myths versus neuro truths. These sessions challenged them to rethink their methods and adopt innovative strategies to improve student outcomes.

After the conference, some attendees led a professional development session during a recent Ben Lippen half-day. The session covered essential topics such as short- and long-term memory retention and their role in learning. Teachers also watched videos featuring middle school students discussing their learning preferences and common distractions. This training encouraged educators to distinguish between neuromyths and evidence-based practices, equipping them with tools to better support their students.

Ben Lippen remains dedicated to providing educators with the resources and training needed to drive student success. We are grateful for opportunities like this and look forward to seeing their positive impact in our classrooms.

- Tracy Fernandez, Middle School Assistant Principal