In this episode of the Resilient Schools Podcast, recorded live at the Bridging to Resilience conference in Wichita, Kansas, the Jethro interviews Jason Shelangouski, an experienced middle school teacher from Wamego Middle School, Kansas.

Jason shares insights into his 16-year teaching career, focusing on teaching 8th-grade language arts, creative writing, and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of co-regulation in helping students navigate the unique challenges of middle school, particularly in terms of emotional and behavioral development.

Jason discusses the role of teacher behaviors, such as being a calming presence or providing stern reminders, in effectively supporting student self-regulation.

He also highlights the significance of administrative support in fostering a positive environment for both teachers and students.

The conversation delves into the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building trust and understanding between teachers and students.

Jason and Jethro explore the concept of life as a game and the importance of adapting behaviors for success in different contexts.

Jason's approach to teaching underscores the necessity of personalized, empathic engagement with students to prepare them for future challenges while respecting their individual experiences and needs.

00:23 The Joy and Challenges of Teaching Middle School

01:20 Exploring Co-Regulation in Education

03:21 The Importance of Leadership and Support in Schools

06:12 Personal Approaches to Teaching and Leadership

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

This episode of the Resilient Schools podcast features a panel discussion from the Bridging to Resilience conference, focusing on the importance of trauma-informed leadership in educational settings.

Panelists share their personal definitions of being trauma-informed, emphasizing the significance of seeing individuals as humans first.

This conversation covers the necessity of empathy, vulnerability, and a focus on mitigating harm through safe policies and practices.

Key strategies discussed include advocating for change, understanding the science behind trauma, and creating a supportive school culture.

The panel also explores practical approaches for dealing with disciplinary issues in a trauma-informed manner, distinguishing between discipline and punishment, and the critical role of maintaining safety and fostering learning environments.

00:19 Defining Trauma-Informed Leadership

00:59 Panelist Introductions and Perspectives

02:55 The Importance of Being Trauma-Informed in Education

06:19 Practical Steps Towards Trauma-Informed Practices

08:16 Advocacy and Incremental Change in School Policies

10:52 Personal Reflections and Adjusting Approaches

14:46 Discipline vs. Punishment: A Critical Discussion

20:44 Implementing Restorative Practices and Building Relationships

26:47 Navigating Challenges with Toxic Stress in the Classroom

27:33 Empathy and Fairness: A Classroom Experiment

28:17 Addressing Fear and Regulation in the Classroom

29:01 Involving Parents in the Culture of Regulation

29:20 The Importance of Transparency and Communication

30:45 Strategies for Managing Classroom Disruptions

35:14 Building a Culture of Care: The Role of Emotional Regulation

36:50 Navigating Challenges: Public vs. Private Education

43:48 Understanding and Supporting Aggressive Students

47:10 Creating Safe and Nurturing Environments for All

54:31 Empowering Communities Through Inclusive Planning

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.

In this episode of the Resilient Schools podcast, recorded live at the Bridging to Resilience Conference 2023, keynote speaker Stacy Nation discusses the importance of cultivating genuine connections in a digitally dominated world.

Stacy, a licensed clinical social worker with a rich background including serving in the Wyoming Army National Guard, emphasizes the need to teach children and teenagers the value of in-person interactions over digital ones.

She shares effective strategies for managing technology use, such as encouraging kids to put away their phones during social gatherings, and fostering deeper conversations beyond superficial digital communication.

Stacy also touches on how educators can manage their own triggers and regulate their nervous system for better classroom management.

00:18 Meet Stacey Nation: A Glimpse into Her Life

01:04 Promoting Real Connections in a Digital World

02:04 Navigating the Challenges of Technology and Connection

04:56 Five Questions to Ask When You're Triggered

07:40 The Journey to Self-Awareness and Control

12:43 Connecting with Stacey Nation and Wrapping Up

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and MyFlexLearning.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you simplify and streamline technology, reliably meet Tier 1 standards, improve assessment performance, and more. Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

MyFlexLearning is the scheduling platform that helps middle and high schools meet the individual needs of all students. Create and manage time for flex blocks, WIN time, activity periods, RTI, counselor and teacher appointments and much more. And with a built-in accountability tool and reporting features, solve your challenges around getting kids where they need to be and understanding how flex time is spent. Make your flex time work for you. Visit myflexlearning.com/BE to learn more and receive $500 off the first year.