Practicing Authentic Humanity in the Age of AI
Jun 14, 2026 4:00PM—Jun 15, 2026 1:30PM
Location
Midland School | Los Olivos, CA
Cost See Pricing Information Below
Categories AI Programs, Curriculum & Pedagogy, In-Person, Leadership, School Leaders, Social & Emotional Learning, Summer Institute, Teachers
Practicing Authentic Humanity in the Age of AI
DAY 1: June 14, 2026 | 4:00pm - 6:30pm | Midland School
DAY 2: June 15, 2026 | 9:00am - 1:30pm | Midland School
ABOUT THIS IN-PERSON SUMMER INSTITUTE
As schools rapidly adopt artificial intelligence tools, the uniquely human skills of listening, storytelling, and creating connection become even more important. Designed for school leaders and teachers, this two-day program offers practical tools that help educators cultivate authentic humanity and vibrant learning communities through experiential methods. Offered as a preconference to Learning and Leading in the Age of AI, this session can be attended as a stand alone program or in conjunction with the full institute. With residential options on the beautiful Midland campus located at the edge of the Los Padres National Forest, the learning doesn't stop when the formal program ends. Continue the conversation over farm-to-table meals or during a sunset hike through the Topatopa foothills.
Across two-days, educators will practice intentional habits that help students and adults alike “listen deeply, speak truth with dignity, risk failure, build belonging, and see the whole student.” Participants will leave with concrete strategies ready to bring back to their schools and classrooms, ensuring that humanity remains at the heart of teaching and learning in the age of AI.
Co-facilitated by Kalyan Ali Balavan, author of Speaking Truth, Teaching Humanity and Shoshanna Sumka, author of Working Side By Side, this highly interactive experience will provide participants with the opportunity to consider what it means to bring forward our full humanity as learners and leaders amidst the rising use of artificial intelligence. Participants will explore activities from Balavan’s book such as The 90 Second Story and the 3-2-1 Listening Drill and engage in discussions around risk-taking, fostering inclusion and whole-student reflection, and supporting greater intrinsic motivation and agency.
Each participant will receive a copy of Balaven’s book Speaking Truth, Teaching Humanity as part of their registration.
PRICING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Stay immersed in the Midland experience by lodging in our student cabins, where rustic charm meets clean, comfortable accommodations. Nestled among majestic oak trees and open pastures with horses, the cabins sit on Midland’s working farm in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, offering a peaceful and inspiring retreat. Wake up to fresh air, natural beauty, and a true sense of place—an ideal setting to reflect, connect with fellow educators, and recharge after a full day of learning.
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Shoshanna Sumka is a nationally recognized leader in experiential education and author of Working Side by Side. She has spent her career designing transformative learning experiences that help humans connect more deeply with the world and with one another; a perspective shaped by her years living and working in Kenya, Indonesia, Ecuador, Haiti, and Israel/Palestine. Shoshanna most recently led ISEEN for eight years as Executive Director where she guided a network of 150 schools & organizations and more than 2,000 educators across outdoor education, global learning, community engagement, SEL, leadership, DEIB, and sustainability. Her earlier work includes a decade directing the Alternative Breaks program at American University, as well as director roles at the University of Idaho and Sidwell Friends School, where she developed immersive social justice, community-based, and global learning programs for students. Today, Shoshanna supports schools and nonprofits in bringing experiential learning and social impact to the heart of their missions through strategy, program design, training, and leadership development.
Kalyan (Kal) Ali Balaven is a school leader, writer, and national voice on belonging, progressive education, and whole-student development in the age of AI. He serves as Head of School at Dunn School in California, where he has led transformative work focused on community, purpose, and student-centered learning, including the launch of the Center for Community, Belonging, and Purpose. Kal is the Founder of the Inclusion Lab and the Inclusion Dashboard Consortium, initiatives designed to help schools move beyond aspirational values toward measurable, lived experiences of belonging. A sought-after facilitator and speaker, Kal blends progressive education traditions with contemporary challenges such as polarization, identity, and technological change. His workshops are known for pairing intellectual rigor with storytelling and practical tools that educators and leaders can apply immediately. He is the author of Speaking Truth, Teaching Humanity and The Inclusion Equation, and the host of The Whole Student Podcast, where he explores questions of community, belonging, and purpose with educators, artists, and thought leaders.
HOST AND PARTNER SCHOOL
CATDC partners with member schools to host our in-person programs, providing educators the opportunity to learn with peers in diverse settings. We are thrilled to partner with Midland School on this Summer Institute, welcoming the larger independent school community on their campus for three days of learning and collaboration.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.