Presentation: Immersive Interest — Supporting Those Who Support Children, Finding Purpose in the In-Between

Title

For Those Who Work with Young Learners and Children: Immersive Interest — Supporting Those Who Support Children, Finding Purpose in the In-Between

Theme Connection

This presentation aligns with early support concepts by centering educators who work with young learners and children—professionals who are often navigating change while simultaneously fostering growth, stability, and emotional safety for others. These educators regularly inhabit the “in-between”: balancing developmental needs with institutional demands, care with accountability, and personal growth with professional responsibility. Through the lens of Immersive Interest, this session explores how curiosity, deep engagement, and reflective focus can support authentic educator growth while strengthening their capacity to nurture meaningful learning experiences for children during times of transition.

Abstract

Educators who work with young learners and children are frequently asked to guide others through growth while navigating their own professional transitions. This session introduces Immersive Interest as a framework for understanding how deep curiosity, focused engagement, and self-directed exploration support authentic growth—for both educators and the children they serve. Drawing on adult-learning theory, reflective practice, and lived experience within early learning and educational support environments, participants will examine how immersive learning states help educators remain grounded, present, and purposeful amid uncertainty. Rather than viewing intense curiosity or deep focus as distraction, this presentation reframes immersive interest as a vital pathway to balance, resilience, and sustained capacity to support children’s development. Through reflection and practical examples, participants will explore how nurturing immersive interest in educators directly strengthens the quality of learning environments for young learners.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Understand Immersive Interest as a tool for authentic professional growth when working with young learners and children.

• Recognize how immersive curiosity supports educator well-being, presence, and resilience during periods of change.

• Identify practical ways to nurture immersive interest in themselves and in teams supporting children’s learning and development.

Session Format

Length: 30-minute or 60-minute session (adaptable to conference requirements)Format: Interactive workshop with mini-case studies, guided reflection, and small-group discussion Audience: Parents, Families, Educators, faculty, educational assistants, and leaders working with young learners and children

“Immersive Interest: Turning Deep Curiosity into Lifelong Learning” - Robin Landals-Hill