Monday, Mar 23, 2026
Brainwaves 2026: Igniting Innovation with Brain-Based Learning and Action Research, held on March 23 on the FAU Lab Schools campus, brought together educators from across Florida for a day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and inspiration. The annual event once again demonstrated what happens when a shared vision for educational excellence meets collective action. Now in its latest and most dynamic year, Brainwaves has grown into a movement that elevates educator voices, strengthens professional practice, and celebrates the intersection of brain science and innovative teaching. From thought-provoking workshops to teacher research showcases, the day reflected the ongoing commitment to advancing learning through research and reflective practice. The morning began with two engaging sessions: “Teaching with the Brain in Mind,” led by facilitators Dr. David Cinalli, Dr. Jennifer Krill, and Dr. Michelle Vaughan-McGovern where educators explored how brain development, cognition, and emotion influence learning, and discovered research-based strategies for designing lessons that connect deeply with students at every stage of growth. “Both Sides of the Brain: An Artistic Approach to STEM,” was hosted by Tim and Drs. Angie and Pat Moran of Engineers on Deck, and inspired teachers in new ways to integrate art, STEM, and inquiry-based experiences into everyday instruction. The afternoon culminated in a vibrant Action Research Symposium, where participants explored 18 presentations led by educators who implemented research in their own classrooms. Topics ranged from strengthening students’ media literacy through digital storytelling, to normalizing academic support for high‑achieving learners, to integrating visual arts into counseling and social‑emotional learning. Other presentations examined strategies for improving reading comprehension, fostering inquiry‑based science instruction, enhancing classroom community and engagement, and supporting student motivation through goal‑setting and reflection. Collectively, these studies highlighted the diverse ways educators are using action research to refine their practices, increase student success, and promote a culture of continuous learning across schools. Educators left empowered to not only apply neuroscience-informed strategies in their classrooms but also to document and share their results within the broader learning community. From brain science to classroom strategy, Brainwaves 2026 empowered educators with new insights and tools to create meaningful, brain-centered learning experiences for their students.