Learning requires more than intelligence—it demands courage.

In this session, Dr. Doug Fisher will explore what it means to take intellectual risks, embrace mistakes, and remain open in the face of uncertainty. Grounded in research on mindset, resilience, and student agency, Dr. Fisher will examine why fear, perfectionism, and past experiences can quietly limit learning, and what educators can do to replace hesitation with curiosity and persistence.

In this session, attendees will learn:

• How fear-based classroom dynamics show up (even when instruction is strong)
• Practical ways to normalize mistakes and make productive struggle feel safe
• Moves that increase student agency, so learners ask bold questions and persist through challenge
• Strategies that help students see themselves as capable, growing thinkers

Attendees will leave with practical strategies and language to build a culture where students are willing to try, revise, reflect, and grow.

About the Presenter: Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., is Professor and Chair of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University and a leader at Health Sciences High & Middle College. Previously, he was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. He is the co-author of All Learning Is Social and Emotional and The Social and Emotional Learning Playbook.