Teaching+T: In Place Of Fear

Amid news of youth violence, anxiety, and overstimulation, a quiet stream of extra"ordinary" teachers and innovators tap into nurturing nudges that deepen school social fabric, give life to off-screen communication, ignite inner awareness; and strengthen communities of learning. --Daniela

Antidote to School Shootings

On Fridays, her students write down the names of 4 peers they'd like to sit with the next week. All ballots are privately submitted. After school, she studies their votes for patterns: Who's not getting requested? Who can't think of anyone to request? Since 1999, one teacher's brilliant strategy deciphers codes of disconnection in pre-teen social fabric, and has quietly reshuffled the trajectory of countless lonely students. Read Full Story »

Phone-Free School Zone

At San Lorenzo High, grades have gone up. Discipline problems have plummeted. Referrals for defiance and disrespect (most stemming from arguments over phone use in class) are down 82%. What changed? An intriguing and strikingly simple solution to smartphone addiction, that 600+ U.S. schools have implemented. Read Full Story »

21 Days of Fearlessness

Middle school can be a time of great unrest. Today, one urban middle school launches a 21-day Fearless Living Challenge to promote collaboration and trust. Student council surprise their peers with a banner of paper hearts that give gratitude for a unique quality of courage embodied by each student and staff. Student artists craft a courage-themed 21-day reflection journal for the entire school. Read Full Story »

'Be The Change' Idea

Reflect on a fear you carry, and find a way to nurture it with love today. [more]