The Palmetto Education Summit 2026

Students today have unprecedented access to technology, convenience, and instant answers—yet many struggle with resilience when faced with challenge. How can educators cultivate perseverance, problem-solving, and a growth mindset in this environment? In this engaging session, participants will explore how modern technology is shaping student resilience and learn practical strategies to develop grit in both faculty and students. Attendees will walk away with clear principles and actionable tools they can implement immediately to help students embrace challenges, delay gratification, and build the perseverance needed for long-term success. Participants will: understand how smart technology influences students’ resilience and resourcefulness, learn practical strategies to cultivate grit and delay gratification in young people, gain actionable tools to strengthen perseverance in staff, faculty, and students, and leave with a clear game plan for building a culture of resilience on campus.

Many educators unknowingly limit student growth through well-intentioned overprotection and over-involvement in classroom and school activities. This highly interactive session reveals the science behind how independence builds resilience and explores why stepping back—not hovering, managing, or constantly helping—is the most powerful teaching strategy available. Participants will examine the difference between appropriate support and enablement, discover age-appropriate independence opportunities across different grade levels and subject areas, and learn practical strategies for creating classroom and school environments where students can practice self-reliance. Through real-world examples, small group activities, and practical frameworks, educators will leave with concrete strategies to empower young people to solve their own problems, learn from natural consequences, and develop the deep confidence that comes from capability. This session is both inspiring and grounded in actionable takeaways.

Creating a positive school culture requires more than programs—it requires intentional leadership and a shared commitment to character, resilience, and community. Facilitated by Dr. Jamie Spinks, Managing Coach at Franklin Covey Education and former Lighthouse School Principal and successful school principal, hear from Leader in Me leaders, as they discuss how they are building cultures that CARE through student leadership, stakeholder engagement, and meaningful systems that support both academic and personal growth.