Today we’re in Sally’s classroom. She loves hands-on learning and has a high tolerance for “squirreliness,” but what happens when squirreliness turns into outright chaos? One thing that happened for Sally was merciless self-blame that was so intense she actually considered quitting teaching. Sound familiar?
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
We discuss:
Systemic Failure vs Guilt: Understanding why “squirrely” behavior can be a result of the environment instead of a teacher’s lack of skill or a student’s lack of character
Finding Common Ground: Strategies for aligning teacher expectations with student reality
Behavior Communication: Unpacking the “why” behind the fidgeting, talking back, and disengagement
Defining the Space: How to create a classroom that feels safe and predictable enough for high energy
Radical Empathy: Why emotional and structural “hugging” is the solution to a fractured classroom
Got a story to share? As always, scan your body for sources of sadness, frustration, anger, and fear in your teaching. Leave me a voicemail at (413) 239-4158 and we might feature your perspective in a future episode! It’s quite possible I can help relieve you from unnecessary suffering. Only a click away.
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Credits
Founder and Host: Betsy Burris
Producer: Jullian Androkae of PodVision
Music: Thom Burris/Jabbering Trout












