Dr. Pamela Cantor raises her right hand over her head along with several elementary students at P.S. 85 Great Expectations School in the Bronx.

Pamela Cantor, M.D. at P.S. 85 Great Expectations School, Bronx, NY. Photo: Brian Hatton

Human potential is a biological response activated by connection.

Learn How

Books

The cover of the Science of Learning and Development book edited by Pamela Cantor and David Osher.
Featured
The Science of Learning and Development

Enhancing the Lives of All Young People.

The cover of the Whole-Child Development, Learning, and Thriving by Pamela Cantor Richard Lerner, Karen Pittman, Paul Chase and Nora Gomperts.
Featured
Whole-Child Development, Learning, and Thriving

How children develop through a system of dynamic relationships and the collective set of contexts that they experience across their life spans.

Academic Papers

Featured
Handbook for Assessment in the Service of Learning, Volume I

In two chapters of the open-source Handbook for Assessment in the Service of Learning, Volume I, Pamela Cantor, MD highlights how assessment can be designed to reveal strengths and shape learning.

The Future of The Science of Learning and Development

Pamela Cantor, M.D. and David Osher on Whole-Child Development, Learning, and Thriving in an Era of Collective Adversity, Disruptive Change, and Increasing Inequality, from the Routledge publication The Heredity Hoax: Challenging Flawed Genetic Theories of Human Development.

Weaving a Colorful Cloth: Centering Education on Humans’ Emergent Developmental Potentials

A research synthesis by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Na’ilah Suad Nasir, Pamela Cantor, M.D., and Hirokazu Yoshikawa offers a conceptual foundation for rethinking the nature of learning, the work of teaching, and the purpose and design of schools and youth-facing policies.

Building Blocks for Learning

A framework for the development of skills children need for success in school and beyond.

Videos

Featured
Go Beyond Grades: Pamela Cantor, M.D. Answers Questions from Parents
Go Beyond Grades: Pamela Cantor, M.D. Answers Questions from Parents

Watch Pamela Cantor, M.D. answer questions from parents in this video series from The Human Potential L.A.B. and Learning Heroes, part of their Go Beyond Grades campaign.

Spring 2025

Featured
YOU Belong in STEM
YOU Belong in STEM

U.S. Department of Education, National Coordinating Conference

Dec 7, 2022

Articles

Featured
The Science of Experiential Civics

In an article for NASBE’s State Education Standard journal, Pamela Cantor, M.D. and co-authors from History Co:Lab and iThrive Games explain why civics education works best when it is relational, experiential, and rooted in community.

All Children Thriving: A New Purpose for Education

Pamela Cantor, M.D. discusses the inequities of the current education system and proposes a new vision for learning grounded in whole-child development.

Podcasts

Featured
The Greatness Machine: Realizing Your Fullest Potential with Pamela Cantor, M.D.
The Greatness Machine: Realizing Your Fullest Potential with Pamela Cantor, M.D.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Pamela Cantor, M.D. delves deeply into the essence of self-actualization and offers valuable guidance for unlocking the boundless possibilities that lie within each of us.

Notes from the Backpack
Notes from the Backpack

National PTA Podcast, featuring Pamela Cantor, M.D., on how to help your child through crises.

Using Science to Imagine a New Purpose and Design for Education
Using Science to Imagine a New Purpose and Design for Education

New research in youth and adolescent development and what it means for creating learning contexts that truly support and nurture the whole child.

The 180 Podcast | Pamela Cantor, M.D.: State of Emergency in Adolescent Mental Health
The 180 Podcast | Pamela Cantor, M.D.: State of Emergency in Adolescent Mental Health

So what is it about adolescents and the adolescent brain that has made them particularly vulnerable to pandemic stress. And what can we as teachers, parents, and caregivers do to support them?

Press

Featured
The Hechinger Report | Opinion: Stop Labeling Kids and Start Revealing Their Strengths
The Hechinger Report | Opinion: Stop Labeling Kids and Start Revealing Their Strengths

In an op-ed published in The Hechinger Report, Pamela Cantor, M.D. challenges the negative labels often applied to young people and advocates for a science-based, strengths-focused approach to support their recovery and growth.

March 31, 2025

The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Students: Pamela Cantor, M.D., in The New York Times
The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Students: Pamela Cantor, M.D., in The New York Times

Pamela Cantor, M.D., was featured in The New York Times, discussing the lasting impact of the pandemic on students. She compares the class of 2021 to actors rehearsing in isolation, then suddenly performing live.

March 14, 2025

Parents Worry their Kids Might Struggle with Anxiety and Depression
Parents Worry their Kids Might Struggle with Anxiety and Depression

NPR's A. Martínez interviews Pamela Cantor, M.D. about a Pew report that finds U.S. parents' biggest concern is the mental health of their children.

NBC News TODAY Parents with Kate Snow
NBC News TODAY Parents with Kate Snow

Learning Loss: Learn What We Can Do About It Watch Dr. Pamela Cantor, M.D. in conversation with NBC News' Kate Snow, National PTA President Anna King, and Co-CEO of Excellence Community Charter Schools Dr. Charlene Reid as they answer parents' top questions about supporting young learners. From motivation and resilience to summer learning and academic success, explore expert insights on what truly helps children thrive. Watch the full discussion here.

Playbook

Featured
Design Principles for Schools
Design Principles for Schools

Putting the Science of Learning and Development Into Action