Starting the school day doesn’t have to be chaotic or rushed. In this article + podcast episode on Truth for Teachers, I’m sharing how soft starts are transforming classrooms by offering a calm, low-pressure beginning that allows students to ease into their day. Soft starts accomplish more than just setting a calm tone—they’re a powerful tool for: promoting social-emotional learning giving kids the autonomy they need to feel in control of their learning fostering self-regulation,...
10 days ago • 3 min read
Over the years, school districts have become increasingly aware of what neurodivergent folks need in order to do their best work. But have you ever wondered why those supports are usually provided to students only, and not to staff? We expect teachers to differentiate instruction, but don’t personalize teacher support or ensure that every individual educator has the resources they need to thrive. So, I got curious about whether educators think accommodations are needed, and if so, what it...
24 days ago • 1 min read
I think we’ve spent far too long centering everything in schools around the needs of students—no matter the cost to educators. We hear “students first,” “whatever it takes,” and “do it for the kids.” While the intention is good, this short-sighted approach ignores something vital: Kids are deeply impacted by the physical and emotional well-being of the adults who teach them. If their teachers are exhausted, frazzled, disrespected, overworked, and micromanaged … there’s no way they can...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Start the school year strong, and discover what the latest neuroscience teaches us about managing time, energy, and focused attention. In this free live training, you'll learn practical ways to help students understand how their brains learn best, and get free ready-to-use classroom resources for grades K-12. Yep, I'll show you how to use these principles + mindset shifts for any grade level you teach! We'll go live next Thursday, August 21st, at 7 pm ET / 4 pm PT. Can't make it? The replay...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Have you ever asked for an assignment only to hear a student say, “Wait… I did that, I just couldn’t find it”? Or had a kid stare blankly at you when you asked them to get started on something, because they have no idea how to begin? It's easy to assume those moments are about laziness or defiance. But they could be signs that students are struggling with executive function: the mental skills that help us manage time, plan ahead, stay organized, and follow through. The truth is, most students...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
The back-to-school ads are everywhere already, and school supplies have officially replaced the garden supplies in stores. 😢 But I’m still in summer mode. I want to soak up the long hours of daylight and the deep green color of the leaves. I want to keep eating popsicles outside. I want to ride my bike to create a cool breeze that contrasts with the warmth of the sun on my face. I’m not ready to think about fall or the new school year quite yet. And maybe that’s how you’re feeling, too. So...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
One of the most exhausting parts of teaching is the constant decision-making. You’re always answering questions like: "Where do I turn this in?" "Can I go to the bathroom?" "What do I do when I’m done?" "I can't find my pencil—now what?" Over and over. All day long. You’re managing behavior, passing out materials, troubleshooting tech, resetting the room, redirecting energy, keeping everything afloat. And underneath all of that is the belief—often unspoken but deeply ingrained—that YOU have...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Self-advocacy can feel uncomfortable, especially in a profession where we’re constantly asked to put students first and make do with less. Maybe you’ve wanted to ask your admin for more planning time, but you worried you’d come across as difficult. Maybe you’ve been hesitant to push back in a team meeting when you disagreed with a decision. Maybe you’ve had ideas that could really help your school, but you weren’t sure how to bring them up without seeming like you were rocking the boat. In...
3 months ago • 4 min read
This one sentence from my conversation with Jonathan Haidt stopped me in my tracks: “We overprotected kids in the real world and underprotected them online.” We bubble-wrapped childhood—cut recess, banned kids from walking to school alone, and scheduled every moment with adult-led activities. All in the name of safety and preparation. But at the same time, we handed kids smartphones, social media, and one-to-one devices—with almost no boundaries. And now we’re watching the consequences unfold...
3 months ago • 2 min read