The authors argue that, amid the stresses of their jobs, educators are expected to continuously "recharge for survival" rather than being given opportunities for authentic recovery. To make teaching jobs more sustainable, they write, schools need to rethink the way they conceive of time, space, and connection, and attend to the…

A teacher's authority in a classroom is no longer assumed--it has to be earned. Without establishing a baseline of rapport and mutual respect, cultural misunderstandings between teachers and students can devolve into chaos. Gabriel Benn, hip-hop artist and former school teacher and administrator, shares real-life examples of how rapport can go…

Although lack of professional support is usually cited as one of the main reasons for the high attrition rate among new teachers, evidence shows that even when such support is available teachers continue to leave the profession. Meanwhile, it is the lack of attention to the personal needs of the novice teachers that leads to frustration and it is…

Successful supervisors share a characteristic of "authenticity," rather than a particular pattern of behavior. From a background of Gestalt psychology, four steps are offered to help supervisors become aware of their own needs and feelings and recognize the "shoulds" that prevent real contact with others. (MLF)

In the brain, five modules or systems (emotional, cognitive, physical learning, social, and reflective) wax and wane in influencing our thoughts and behavior. Emotionally, socially, and physically comfortable students attuned to the content being taught learn relatively easily. Focusing solely on cognitive learning is counterproductive. (MLH)

Role-plays and other dramatic activities fulfill tweens' urge to try out different life roles, to explore the world beyond their own reality, and to learn new areas of competence. Wilhelm's research into reading and motivation has shown that students value learning that they can see as immediately meaningful. He argues that drama strategies bring…

Parents and teachers must accept death as a natural function of life in order to teach children about dying. Children and youth need to learn how to cope with catastrophe and crisis whenever they meet it. (Author/MLF)

Unlike stimulus-response models based on external controls, the Educational Responsibility program thriving in many New York State schools is designed to strengthen student empowerment and responsibility. Teachers learn to create needs-fulfilling classrooms, using strategies such as building team involvement, offering choices, increasing value for…

The dramatic ups and downs so often witnessed in adolescents are the result of changes in their brain activity. It is vital that the emotional and psychological needs that arise from such intense brain development are acknowledged and addressed so that middle school becomes a safe environment for the budding adults.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a persistently sad or sometimes irritable mood. Recognizing and helping potentially depressed students are essential for meeting their academic and social needs and for maintaining the overall learning environment. Alerting the guidance counselor or school psychologist is a good idea. (MLH)

Peak Learning System's relationship-centered teaching framework focuses on fulfilling students' fundamental emotional needs to ensure learning willingness. Students are motivated when they believe that teachers treat them like people and care about them personally and educationally. The learning ambience must be safe, of value, successful,…

Presents research that suggests how school administrators can have a significant impact on teacher motivation, especially by rewarding teacher performance. (Author/JM)

Applying the principles of affective education will help students learn anything better, including the basics. Student learning depends on four highly affective factors: self-concept, feelings of challenge or threat, values, and feelings of belonging or being cared for. (Author/JM)

New Haven (Connecticut) Public Schools realized that pushing students academically was useless without creating a positive school climate to address their social and emotional needs. James Comer's School Development Program is the district's guiding principle. Via planning and student-support teams, school community members decide on life-skills…