Dr. Corey Smith, Superintendent of South Putnam Community School Corporation, recently had the honor of representing the United States and rural schools at the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit in Stockholm, Sweden. The summit, sponsored by EF (Education First), a Nobel Prize Museum education partner, brings together educators from across the globe to address critical issues in education.
The 2024 summit, held on October 4, focused on Minding the Brain, exploring the latest discoveries in neuroscience and their potential to transform education. Nobel laureates, scientists, psychologists, and educators from over 30 countries discussed questions like: How does the brain process learning? Can we train our brains to keep pace with modern challenges? And have schools kept up with the latest scientific insights into how learning occurs?
The event featured renowned speakers, including Nobel Prize laureates David MacMillan (2021 Chemistry) and Elena Zhemkova (2022 Nobel Peace Prize), as well as distinguished experts in psychology and neuroscience. Their presentations provided valuable perspectives on how to integrate recent advances in brain science into classroom teaching, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
Dr. Smith, selected by EF as part of a group of distinguished educators, represented the voice of rural schools. His participation highlighted the importance of ensuring that students in small districts receive high-quality educational opportunities that reflect the latest innovations in teaching.
“The chance to engage with some of the world’s top minds in neuroscience and education was incredibly inspiring,” Dr. Smith said. “I’m excited to bring these neuroscience-based teaching strategies back to South Putnam. The insights I’ve gained will help improve the learning experience for our students.”
In addition to attending the summit, Dr. Smith participated in the Nobel Prize Teacher Summit Extended Program from October 2-5, 2024. This exclusive program for international participants offered deeper insights into the Swedish school system, including school visits, workshops, and guided tours of Stockholm’s City Hall and Old Town. The extended program provided opportunities for educators from different countries to collaborate and learn from one another.
The Nobel Prize Teacher Summit is an annual international event hosted by the Nobel Prize Museum. It brings together educators, Nobel laureates, and scientists to explore cutting-edge topics in education and promote collaboration across borders. Since 2017, the summit has inspired educators worldwide with groundbreaking ideas and innovative practices.