Sudbury International is a network that connects and supports schools inspired by the Sudbury Valley School model—a model that has been around for over half a century and has been interpreted in many different ways across the world. The organization is not a franchise, an accrediting body, or a rulebook. Sudbury International provides a space for Sudbury schools to collaborate, a platform to share the many ways people practice self-directed education, and resources and support for those exploring Sudbury learning.
SUDBURY COMMUNITY VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
Discover global connections. Join a vibrant community of friends, families, alumni, students, and staff from Sudbury schools worldwide. Explore diverse perspectives on educational philosophy and practice through multimedia resources.
The Sudbury Community Book Club is an initiative by Sudbury International designed to foster connection and community among the global network of Sudbury schools. This multimedia book club brings together friends, families, alumni, students, and staff from Sudbury schools worldwide to explore books, articles, podcasts, and videos that deepen understanding of self-directed, democratic education and build bridges across our diverse learning communities.
The book club embodies Sudbury International's mission of connecting and supporting schools and learning centers, providing both a platform for sharing experiences and a resource for those exploring the transformative potential of Sudbury learning.
Please join us on Wednesday, May 13th at 7:30 pm ET - 4:30 pm PT for the virtual Sudbury Community Book Club discussion, Mattering
Mattering — the fundamental human need to feel valued and add value — unlocks purpose, connection, and wellbeing.
As humans, we have a deep desire to know that we belong, that we are needed, and that our community accepts and values who we are.
How can we build cultures of mattering in our homes, schools, and communities?
How do Sudbury schools help to provide a “mattering core”: recognizing impact, being relied on, feeling prioritized, and being truly known and invested in?
This month we are reading Mattering by Jennifer B. Wallace. We also identified a few related articles, videos, and podcasts. As always, the readings are optional, the important thing is the conversation.
Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose by Jennifer B. Wallace
Bookshop.org | World Cat | Author’s Website
Join us for stories, strategies, and conversation.
How do Sudbury schools help kids feel seen, valued, and needed?
The SAID framework
feeling Significant
feeling Appreciated
feeling Invested in
feeling Depended on
In a world where so many people feel lonely, disengaged, or untethered, how do we build genuine connection and community?
What is our response to the high-pressure, achievement-driven environment of our culture?
How is making others feel seen, valued, and needed a great gift back to ourselves.?
No time to read the book? Here are some suggested short cuts.
Podcasts
Raising Good Humans - Mattering: The Secret to Building a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose with Jennifer Wallace (53 minutes)
Aspen Ideas to Go - Mattering: The Most Overlooked Pillar of Wellbeing (1hr 13 minutes)
Kelly Corrigan Wonders - Deep Dive with Jennifer Wallace on Mattering & Making (54 minutes)
Articles
Jennifer Breheny Wallace on Mattering - Thrive Global (7 minute read)
Why Mattering Matters - Harvard Gazette interview with Jennifer B. Wallace (5 minute read)
The Hidden Power of Mattering to Others–And to Yourself - Greater Good (8 minute read)
Video
Why We Need to Know Our Lives Matter (TED) - Jennifer Wallace (12 minutes)
The Four Ingredients of Mattering - Jennifer Wallace (4 minutes)
VIDEOS
Welcome to the Sudbury in Depth series, where Sudbury International takes a deep dive into the philosophy and practice of the Sudbury model. Each episode, three staff members from different schools will share their perspectives and experiences on a topic.
Enjoy this roundtable discussion with graduates from four different Sudbury schools as they share their experiences, insights, and how self-directed learning has impacted their lives. Hear firsthand how Sudbury alumni navigate higher education, careers, and personal growth—without traditional grades, tests, or a set curriculum.
The event features an introduction by Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life.
Watch Sudbury International’s recent webinar about community and autonomy in school featuring:
Cassi Clausen from The Open School in California, USA
Menahem Goren representing Sudbury schools in Israel
Daniel Merino from Udesya in Mexico
Christen Parker-Yarnal from The Miami Sudbury School, USA
Ellen Goode from WyldFlower Learning Center, USA
Je'anna Clements from Riverstone Village, South Africa
Blog Posts
Be sure to check out Sudbury International’s blog posts covering different aspects of the Sudbury School model, personal experiences with the approach to learning, democracy in Sudbury schools, the role of curiosity, what is learning, the role of conflict resolution, and much more!