Keynote address: Prevention is Better than a Cure: preparing our children for the world they inherit.
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| Friday, October 30, 2026 |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Plaza Ballroom, Plaza Level |
Overview
Ben Sacco, Education Economy
Speaker
Ben Sacco
Education Economy
Prevention is Better than a Cure: preparing our children for the world they inherit.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMAbstract
In a world defined by rapid change, uncertainty and complexity, meaningful impact comes from intentionally shaping learning environments that prevent disengagement through learner curiosity, safety and trauma-informed practices.
Drawing on insights from his book “Disruption in Schools: Understand me before you mark me!”, Ben Sacco demonstrates how children learn to navigate uncertainty, make decisions and reflect on outcomes when given agency rather than direction. Structures that are predictable do not always create calm and prevention is not about shielding children from challenges either.
This keynote explores considerations for designing learning environments that help children think critically, adapt, reflect and heal. We will examine the difference between protection and preparation, why over-structured learning can limit growth and how conditions that encourage learner curiosity are important in modern classrooms.
These are the conditions that transform uncertainty into opportunity.
Drawing on insights from his book “Disruption in Schools: Understand me before you mark me!”, Ben Sacco demonstrates how children learn to navigate uncertainty, make decisions and reflect on outcomes when given agency rather than direction. Structures that are predictable do not always create calm and prevention is not about shielding children from challenges either.
This keynote explores considerations for designing learning environments that help children think critically, adapt, reflect and heal. We will examine the difference between protection and preparation, why over-structured learning can limit growth and how conditions that encourage learner curiosity are important in modern classrooms.
These are the conditions that transform uncertainty into opportunity.
Biography
With more than 20 years of experience in Education, Ben Sacco works with schools and education systems to create the conditions for quality teaching, engaged learning and whole school wellbeing.
Ben is an education specialist and Author of ‘Disruption in Schools: Understand me before you mark me!’. He works with schools, teachers and principals to tackle issues like teacher burnout, retention, school culture and student behaviour.
Ben and his work have been featured in the Herald-Sun newspaper, ABC Radio and 9 News.
Many of his strategies to improve behaviour and classroom dynamics in schools are grounded in a deep understanding of neuroscience, child development and psychology.
Ben is the Managing Director of Education Economy, an education consulting business focused on ensuring that education professionals do not face diminished health and wellbeing outcomes as an outcome of doing what they love!
Ben is also a children's author of three books titled, “There's a Spider in my Tummy", "There's a Buzzing Bee in my Head" and “Hey Dad! The Story of curious Scarlett.”
Ben gets to know people and their stories and is passionate about advocating for change and refined practice. He brings both a systems perspective and frontline experience, which allows him to take a balanced approach to improving organisational efficiency, workforce productivity and employee quality of life.
