The Voice of the Student with Dr. Kelley Spence

Dr. Kelley P Spence, PhD
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A podcast for high school teachers who want calmer classrooms, healthier nervous systems, and more authentically engaged students. Hosted by Dr. Kelley P. Spence, PhD—well‑being specialist, educator, and author—each episode blends student stories with science‑backed tools from adolescent brain research, teacher wellbeing, and classroom design. Get practical, realistic strategies you can use this week to reduce burnout, support teen brains, and center student voice. New episodes every week—follow, like, and subscribe so you don’t miss any new practical, science‑backed tools for your classroom.

  1. Jun 21

    Teaching With Intuition: Calmer Classroom Choices for High School Teachers – Part 1 of 3, VOTS Ep 18

    In Part 1 of this series, we explore what it actually means to “teach with intuition” in a public high school setting—grounding it in nervous system awareness, pattern recognition, and your professional wisdom. You’ll learn how to listen to your own cues, trust what you’re noticing with students, and make calmer, more aligned choices in the moment without abandoning structure or standards. If you’re curious about bringing more intuition, regulation, and alignment into your classroom, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and explore The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health, medical, or legal advice. Please follow all school, district, and legal guidelines when implementing any strategies. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #teachingwithintuition, #calmerclassroom, #teacherwellbeing, #highschoolteacher, #nervoussystemawareness, #studentengagement, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudent Subscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

  2. Jun 20

    Homework That Helps, Not Hurts: Brain-based Homework Ideas for High School Teachers, VOTS Ep 17

    In this episode, we return to homework with a practical focus on what actually helps teen brains learn—spacing, relevance, choice, and clear limits—rather than overloading students and families. You’ll walk away with concrete, brain-based homework ideas you can adjust for different courses, schedules, and school policies without starting from scratch. To continue reimagining homework, routines, and expectations through a wellbeing lens, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and check out The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: All ideas shared are for professional reflection only and do not replace district grading or homework policies. Adapt strategies to align with your school and community guidelines. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #brainbasedhomework, #homeworkthathelps, #studentwellbeing, #highschoolteacher, #adolescentbrain, #teacherwellbeing, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudent Subscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

  3. Jun 20

    Teacher Burnout & the Adolescent Brain: 3 Small Shifts to Protect Your Energy, VOTS Ep 16

    In this episode, we connect teacher burnout to the realities of teaching the adolescent brain—constant emotional intensity, attention demands, and decision-making in high school classrooms. You’ll learn three small, realistic shifts that protect your energy while still showing up for students: regulating yourself first, simplifying expectations, and using student voice to share the load. If you’re feeling stretched thin and want structured support, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and explore The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: This content offers general educational guidance and should not be used as a substitute for professional counseling, medical care, or legal advice. Always follow your school and district protocols. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #teacherburnout, #teacherenergy, #highschoolteacher, #nervoussystemcare, #adolescentbrain, #teacherwellbeing, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudent Subscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

  4. Jun 20

    Emotional Intelligence in the Classroom: Simple EQ Routines for High School Teachers, VOTS Ep 15

    This episode focuses on simple emotional intelligence, EQ, routines—like emotional check-ins, language shifts, and brief reflections—that build emotional intelligence without taking over your whole lesson plan. We explore how these small practices can lower conflict, deepen relationships, and support both academic outcomes and student mental health in high school classrooms. For more emotional intelligence tools and classroom-ready routines, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and check out The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: The information shared is for professional learning only and does not replace school mental health services, counseling, or legal guidance. Always align EQ practices with your team and support staff. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #emotionalintelligence, #SEL, #highschoolclassroom, #studentwellbeing, #teacherwellbeing, #EQskills, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudent Subscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

  5. Jun 20

    Classroom Expectations That Stick: Co‑Creating Agreements With High School Students, VOTS Ep 14

    In this episode, we move beyond top-down rules and talk about co-creating classroom expectations with teens so they actually remember, respect, and uphold them. You’ll learn step-by-step questions, scripts, and routines to build expectations with students that support both wellbeing and academic rigor. If you want more tools for expectations, routines, and student voice, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and explore The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace district policy, union guidance, or legal advice. Always align your expectations practices with your school’s guidelines. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #classroomexpectations, #cocreatednorms, #studentvoice, #highschoolclassroom, #classroommanagement, #teacherwellbeing, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudentSubscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

  6. Jun 19

    The Adolescent Brain Explained: Why Teens Act This Way (and How to Teach With It), VOTS Ep 13

    In this powerful episode, we break down core parts of the adolescent brain—like the prefrontal cortex and limbic system—and connect them to everyday behaviors that often get mislabeled as “defiance” or “laziness.” You’ll get practical, brain-aligned strategies to respond more effectively to risk-taking, emotional swings, and inconsistent follow-through in high school students. To explore more brain-based strategies for calmer, more engaging classrooms, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and check out The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and training purposes only and should not be interpreted as clinical, diagnostic, or legal advice. Always collaborate with your counseling and administrative teams. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #adolescentbrain, #teenbrain, #brainbasedteaching, #highschoolteacher, #classroommanagement, #teacherwellbeing, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudentSubscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

  7. Jun 19

    The Four Agreements in High School Classrooms: Simple Language to Calm Conflict and Build Trust, VOTS Ep 12

    In this episode, we translate The Four Agreements into simple, student-friendly language and show how they can become shared classroom agreements that reduce conflict and increase trust in high school settings. You’ll hear examples of how to use this framework during group work, feedback, and daily interactions without sounding cheesy or losing your authority. If you’d like more language and tools for trust-based, student-centered classrooms, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and explore The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: The content shared is informational and not a substitute for psychological assessment, counseling, or legal advice. Please follow your school’s protocols when addressing conflict and student safety. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #fouragreements, #classroomagreements, #conflictresolution, #highschoolclassroom, #studenttrust, #teacherwellbeing, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudent Subscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

  8. Jun 19

    5 Elements for Classroom Energy: Simple Ways to Make Your Room Feel Calmer and More Engaging, VOTS Ep 11

    In this episode, we walk through five key “elements” of classroom energy—space, sound, visuals, routines, and your presence—and how each one shapes how safe and engaged students feel. You’ll get simple, low-cost tweaks you can make to your room and daily flow to create a calmer, more inviting space for high school learning. For more guidance on designing calm, engaging high school classrooms, visit https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/ and check out The Engaged Classroom (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/the-engaged-classroom-course) and the Teacher Wellbeing Reset mini-course (https://www.thevoiceofthestudent.com/teacher-wellbeing-mini-course). Disclaimer: This episode provides general information about teacher wellbeing and classroom environment; it is not medical, therapeutic, or legal advice. Use professional judgment and school guidelines when applying any strategy. Copyright: © Dr. Kelley P. Spence, TSBS, LLC, The Voice of the Student. All rights reserved. #classroomenergy, #calmclassroom, #highschoolteacher, #classroomdesign, #studentengagement, #teacherwellbeing, #teacherpd, #thevoiceofthestudent Subscribe, follow, and share with a teacher friend for weekly, science-backed tools to create calmer classrooms and greater wellbeing for both students and teachers.

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A podcast for high school teachers who want calmer classrooms, healthier nervous systems, and more authentically engaged students. Hosted by Dr. Kelley P. Spence, PhD—well‑being specialist, educator, and author—each episode blends student stories with science‑backed tools from adolescent brain research, teacher wellbeing, and classroom design. Get practical, realistic strategies you can use this week to reduce burnout, support teen brains, and center student voice. New episodes every week—follow, like, and subscribe so you don’t miss any new practical, science‑backed tools for your classroom.

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