Let's Get Schooled Emma Gentle

Welcome back to another episode of Let's Get Schooled. In this episode, I give you three ways to significantly improve classroom engagement.
Have you ever wondered if you'd enjoy being a student in your own classroom? Effective teaching involves constant learning and adapting, and sometimes, it starts with asking ourselves tough questions to be the educators our students need us to be.
Incorporating just a few of the ideas in this episode will make a huge difference in the engagement from all the students in your classroom, especially with those who are currently disengaged. 
In this episode, you’ll hear about
The necessity of movement for students to self-regulate, helping them to focus better and actively participate in the classroom. How to include gamification in your classroom to increase engagement and motivation. The power of providing choice and autonomy to students, allowing students to feel empowered but not in control of the classroom dynamics. Connect with Em
Website: thegradguide.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle. DM me to grab the brain breaks resource! LinkedIn

Today I am giving you three ways to build a classroom community that encourages connection, safety, and growth.
This episode is full of practical steps that you can implement into your classroom right from the start of the school day.
Here’s what you’ll learn.
How starting each day with a morning meeting can set a positive tone, clarify expectations and strengthen connections. What it looks like to include fun and engaging activities into the day to build a strong classroom community The importance of modelling a growth mindset to your students How to shift the focus from what students can’t to, to celebrating what they excel at. Tools to help you identify and nurture each students unique strength so that you can build confidence and engagement in the classroom. By embodying these principals, you can create an environment where students are supported.
I cannot wait for you to use these in your classroom.
Resources Mentioned
Learn more about the ‘Learning Pit’. Check out The VIA Character Strengths Survey Connect with Em
Website: thegradguide.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

Hello, beautiful educators! In this episode, I am talking about the proactive strategies you can use to ensure your classroom is supportive and inclusive for all students. 
If you have students with ADHD, ADD, Autism, EAL/D, learning difficulties and/or trauma and are at a loss for how to manage and cater to all of these at once…this episode is for you!
You can absolutely support all your students in your classroom. 
In this episode, you’ll learn
How to implement proactive strategies for an inclusive classroom The 3 important aspects of an inclusive classroom How to build deep, meaningful relationships with students that goes past developing rapport. How to make sure your classroom is safe, and conducive to learning. Why it is important to practice self-regulation for yourself first Holistic education is about prioritising the success and wellbeing of every child. Catering to all the students in your classroom is not as impossible as it seems. It is so important to build authentic relationships, ensure safety, and emotional regulation so that you can create a classroom where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Connect with Em
Website: thegradguide.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

In this episode, I chat with Jenny Cole all about educational leadership.
Jenny started her career as an Education Assistant and went on to become a teacher and finally a Principal for 12 years. She worked predominately in Education Support (special needs) with students with high support needs and challenging behaviours.

Despite loving working with kids and passionate about education, she became overwhelmed and burnt out. She now runs her own business designed to support teachers and leaders to develop the leadership skills to build high performing teams. She is a coach, consultant, recovering Principal and cheerleader who loves the community she has built through Positively Beaming.

When she is not working, she can be found scrolling Instagram and wrangling her very naughty puppy named Charlie. She is based in WA but works with and coaches educators across Australia
In This Episode, we discuss
The challenges and realities of educational leadership, including the experiences that led Jenny to rethink her career. The importance of self-awareness, asking for help, and building confidence.  Practical advice for educators aspiring to leadership roles. The importance of nurturing educators and leaders, providing them with the tools and support to thrive in their roles. Her insights into overcoming burnout, establishing boundaries, and fostering positive environments in schools are invaluable for anyone in the educational space.
Until next time!
Connect with Jenny:
Website: positivelybeaming.com.au
Facebook: Positively Beaming with Jenny Cole
Instagram: @positivelybeamingjenny
Linkedin: Jenny Cole

In this episode of Let's Get Schooled, Em dives into the barriers hindering effective teaching and leading in today's educational landscape. Join her as she explores the challenges educators face and offers insights into navigating these obstacles.
Em highlights the overwhelming workload many educators contend with due to schools taking on too many initiatives at once. She emphasises the importance of focusing on one initiative at a time to ensure proper implementation and effectiveness
Discussing the detrimental impact of large class sizes, Em shares a concerning example of a teacher managing 31 students without adequate support. She advocates for smaller class sizes and increased support staff to enable teachers to provide better individualised attention to students.
Em addresses the crucial role of mentoring and support in educators' professional development. She underscores the need for strong mentorship programs to help new teachers navigate the challenges of the profession effectively.
Thanks for tuning in to Let's Get Schooled! Don't forget to share this episode with your fellow educators and continue the conversation online. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions in future episodes.
Until next time, keep shining bright in the classroom!

Today, let's talk about the pressure to be perfect as teachers.
I recently came across a school's risqué calendar debacle, which got me thinking: why do we feel the need to uphold this image of perfection?
Back in 1923, a teacher's contract banned things like marriage, bright colours, and even loitering in ice cream stores. While times have changed, the expectation of flawlessness remains.
But here's the truth: we're not perfect, and that's okay. We're human, with strengths and weaknesses.
I recently spoke with a fellow educator who bravely shared her autism diagnosis with her principal, highlighting the importance of authenticity in a system that often demands conformity.
So, let's shift the narrative. Let's embrace authenticity and celebrate our uniqueness. Less perfectionism, more fun, connection, and curiosity.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you feel the pressure to be perfect? How do you navigate it? Drop me a message on social media or shoot me an email.
Thanks for tuning in! Stay real, stay imperfect, stay beautifully human. 
 
Speak soon, Em