Why would a former Assistant Principal and Primary Teacher choose to homeschool?

It’s a question I’ve been asked a lot lately, and in this episode, I’m sharing my honest thoughts about why our family is seriously considering homeschooling.

After spending 14 years in the education system as a teacher, leader, consultant and behaviour specialist, I never imagined this would be something I’d consider.

But motherhood has completely changed the way I see children, learning and what young kids actually need to thrive.

This conversation isn’t not about criticising schools or teachers. This is not a conversation about whether homeschooling is better than school. I have so much respect for educators and know first-hand how hard they work within a system that places enormous demands on them every day.

Instead, this episode is about asking a different question: What is the best fit for our family?

I share my experience working in schools, what I’ve learned through studying child development, attachment, nervous system development and emotional intelligence, and why those experiences have led me to rethink what education could look like for my own children.

In this episode, I talk about:

-  What I believe young children need most in the early years

- The gaps I see between child development research and mainstream schooling

- Why emotional intelligence has become one of my biggest priorities for my children

- The myths around homeschooling and socialisation

-  Why I think the future of work and learning is changing rapidly

- The importance of trusting your own family values when making big decisions

It’s a conversation about having the courage to question what’s right for your family, even when it looks different from what everyone else is doing.

Resources for you

Wanting to understand your nervous system better so you can focus on responding rather than reacting? Download ‘Map Your Nervous System States’ ⁠HERE⁠ as a beautiful starting point.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠emmagentle.com.au⁠

Instagram: ⁠@em_gentle⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Anthea Todd, chiropractor, women’s health practitioner, bestselling author and founder of Female Fundamentals.

We talk about the gap so many women find themselves in when they know something doesn’t feel right, but keep being told their tests are normal and there’s nothing wrong.

Anthea shares how years of working with women led her to question why so many symptoms were being dismissed and how that journey took her from chiropractic into women’s health, functional medicine, nervous system work and energy healing.

We also talk about:

- Why common doesn’t always mean normal when it comes to women’s health

- How symptoms are often messages from the body, not problems to silence

- What happens when we stay stuck in overthinking and avoid what we’re feeling

- The nervous system impact of rapid business growth and visibility

- Supporting yourself through motherhood, business and the different seasons of life

Anthea also shares the story of how a simple Instagram video unexpectedly changed everything, growing her audience from 2,000 followers to over 100,000 almost overnight and what that experience taught her about nervous system capacity, success and sustainability.

The more connected you are to your body, the easier it becomes to understand what you need, what is driving your behaviour and how to support yourself in a way that actually feels good.

Connect with Dr Anthea Todd:

Instagram: @drantheatodd
Website: www.femalefundamentals.com.au
Book: What’s My Body Telling Me?

Resources for you

Wanting to understand your nervous system better so you can focus on responding rather than reacting? Download ‘Map Your Nervous System States’ HERE as a beautiful starting point.

Connect with Em

Website: emmagentle.com.au

Instagram: @em_gentle

LinkedIn

Are you an educator feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you're surviving from one school holiday to the next? Wondering how to stay in this profession you love without sacrificing your wellbeing?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I share from the heart, recording with my newborn snuggled up on my chest, about why emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation are not "nice-to-haves"… but essential tools for educators and school leaders today.

We dive into the real root causes of burnout, why so many teachers feel like they're drowning, and how we can begin shifting school culture from the inside out, without adding more to your already overloaded plate. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or support staff, you'll walk away with clarity, validation, and real next steps.

What you'll hear in this episode:

→ Why regulation is the missing link in education reform

→ How stress and unresolved trauma show up in the classroom

→ What happens when your nervous system leads the way

→ Why inner work is non-negotiable for teachers and leaders

→ The real impact of emotionally intelligent educators on students

→ How to shift your classroom and your life—starting with you

If you're ready to create a ripple effect in your classroom, school and home, this episode is your starting point.

✨ Ready to do the work? Join The EMotionally Intelligent Educator and DM me "READY" on Instagram for $100 off.

 

Resources + Links Mentioned:

→DM me "ready" on Instagram for your discount code

→Learn more about The EMotionally Intelligent Educator

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠

Instagram: ⁠@em_gentle⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Alice Vigors is a dedicated and passionate Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction, who uses her creativity, innovation and dedication to inspire others and build their capacity to make a positive difference to the education of all students. She has been a teacher and leader for more than 13 years, working in both the NSW Public and Catholic education systems. She is the author of the Thinking Classroom and co-host of the Teacher Takeaway podcast.

• Alice's journey into Education
• Alice's book 'The Thinking Classroom'
• What is critical and creative thinking and how do we facilitate this in the classroom?
• Using 'Thinking Routines'
• How can we use inquiry in our classroom if our school doesn't follow an 'inquiry' model
• Misconceptions about inquiry
• It doesn't have to be either/or
• Where does feedback sit within the inquiry cycle?
• Where to go to learn more about the inquiry process.
• New tips for Teachers

Find Alice here: 

https://thinkingpathwayz.weebly.com/

Instagram: @thingpathways

 

Find Em here:

https://thegradguide.com.au

Instagram: @thegradguide_

Amy is the founder of The Wellness Strategy, a published author, speaker, facilitator, and coach, and a leader in improving workplace culture and wellbeing in schools and organisations. As a past teacher and school leader, Amy is determined to change the way we view wellbeing to support our everyday and workplace needs. With a background in teaching and leadership and having studied human behaviour and positive psychology, Amy brings to the wellbeing space a fresh approach to what can be a sensitive topic. 

Em and Amy chat about:

• What it means to live in alignment with your values and when we don't how it impacts us
• Teacher wellbeing isn't one person's job
• Are we doing too much in schools?
• How we can take ownership and control of our wellbeing when we're in toxic environments
• Subjective wellbeing/Psychological wellbeing 
• Change is hard and our leaders are doing the best they can with what they know
• Old narratives- Don't reach out for support until you're flat on your face!
• Prevention is better than cure

You can follow Amy @_thewellnessstrategy or connect with her via her website https://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au/

You can find Em on Instagram @thegradguide_ or via her website www.thegradguide.com.au

 

Aaron Johnston is an Assistant Principal from Central Coast, NSW. He graduated from Avondale College in 2008 with a Bachelor Education (Primary) Honours degree. Aaron has been in school leadership since 2015 and has taught all ages K-6. He has also worked in a variety of roles within schools including classroom teacher, wellbeing officer, and Learning & Support Teacher. He is passionate about providing students with rich and engaging learning experiences across all subject areas with a passion for wellbeing and curriculum. 

Aaron hosts the Teacher Takeaway Podcast along with three other incredible educators. Their aim is to inspire, encourage and equip educators with practical examples of quality practice and teach them how to embed the latest educational research into their classroom practice.

 

Em and Aaron chat about:

• How Aaron got into education

• Aaron's current role

• How new teachers can approach leadership when they have a problem

• What to do when you're a new teacher and you're not feeling heard

• How/when to involve leadership in situations with parents and students

• How to move towards a leadership position

•  

You can follow Aaron's teaching journey via his Instagram account @mr.j.learning.space

You can find Em on Instagram @thegradguide_ or at TGG's website www.thegradguide.com.au

Welcome to the new series- New Teacher Feature!! I will be chatting with teachers from all over Australia about their experiences as new graduates.

Today we unpack:

• Karina's favourite teacher
• Why Karina became a teacher
• Karina's experience with mentor teachers whilst on Prac
• Karina's experience with relief teaching
• Her favourite thing about having her own class
• Did Uni prepare you for teaching?
• The most challenging thing so far as a teacher
• What Karina's loving about TGGM

Enjoy listening to Karina's experiences in education so far.

If you'd like to connect, you can find me here:

Website: www.thegradguide.com.au

Instagram: @thegradguide_

TikTok: The Grad Guide

LinkedIn: Emma Gentle 

Today I am speaking with Jessica Mason (she/her). She is a Wellness Coach for Teachers, on a mission to support educators to live more mindful, calm and balanced lives. Jess hosts in-person workshops, coaches clients in a 1:1 capacity + runs online courses designed to guide teachers to ditch the burnout and truly thrive. 

 

Jess and I speak about:

• How Jess went into teaching
• Jess's experience with her own well-being challenges/anxiety
• What contributed to Jess's anxiety as a new teacher
• Our belief systems and limiting beliefs- How they impact the way we show up as a teacher
• How new teachers look after themselves- We can choose OURSELVES and OUR STUDENTS
• Re-defining a 'good teacher'
• Creating a safe space for teachers to be vulnerable and share
• What Jess has seen new grads struggle with
• Understanding the value of yourself and your time
• Jess's definition of wellbeing 

Follow Jess on Instagram @jess.mason_

Follow Em on Instagram @thegradguide_ or contact her at her new website 

www.thegradguide.com.au

 

BONUS EPISODE!!

Miss Inclusivity is a graduate teacher, currently teaching Year 1/2, who is deeply passionate about inclusion in her classroom. Her commitment is to ensure that every student in her classroom feels valued and supported. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment through emotional regulation, visual scaffolds & cues, and a classroom where her students have FUN!
As a young teacher from QLD, Miss Inclusivity also makes accessories and resources for teachers as a creative outlet, has her own podcast: 'Miss Inclusivity The Podcast' and shares all of the navigations of teaching online through daily vlogs, teacher hacks & even teacher outfits!

Miss Inclusivity and I chat about:

• Her introduction to education
• Bridge's wins and challenges so far
• What she didn't expect as a new teacher
• What she is LOVING about TGGM
• Her advice to new grads

Follow Miss Inclusivity on Instagram @missinclusivity and TikTok

Bridge has given you all a discount to use on any of her products!! 20% off use TGG20

Follow Em @thegradguide_ on Instagram

Narissa is an education consultant specialising in literacy and leadership. She was a former primary school principal and she is passionate about empowering primary school teachers to deliver high-quality literacy instruction to all students. Narissa delivers professional learning, support and resources through her Oz Lit Teacher website and community. She also consults in schools and runs live workshops.

Riss is so down to earth and I just loved speaking with her today about high-quality literacy instruction. Let's get into it

• Riss' journey into Education
• The importance of an effective classroom environment
• Why Riss started 'Oz Lit Teacher'
• What are Mentor Texts and why are they amazing?!
• Riss' take on NAPLAN and how to prepare
• 6+1 Writing traits- Why Riss loves this framework!
• What leads to stagnated student growth in writing
• Why cold writes are great assessment tools
• Riss' opinion on scripted writing programs
• What to include in your writing block- What Riss says is missing in a lot of classrooms today
• Tips for new teachers

Find Riss at: https://www.ozlitteacher.com.au/

Instagram: @ozlitteacher

Find Em on Instagram @thegradguide_

The Grad Guide Mentorship opens Monday 27th March!!!

Join through the BIO on my INSTAGRAM!

Em

Today I am speaking with Kasey Edwards, a writer and researcher and the author of the international bestselling Raising Girls Who Like Themselves. She mixes humour, heart and credible research to write about issues such as raising children, work satisfaction, motherhood and body image. She has a wide readership, with an audience of over 10 million worldwide, and is a passionate champion for girls and women.

I believe that a lot of what Kasey teaches parents in 'Raising Girls Who Like Themselves' relates to teaching children and feel that the 'pillars' she speaks about can also be facilitated in the classroom. 

Kasey and I speak about:

• Why Kasey wrote the book 'Raising Girls Who Like Themselves?'
• Reparenting
• The Power Perspective- Children can control how they respond to things
• Catastrophising- Why is it and why it's harmful
• 'Beauty Praise'- Why it is damaging for children, especially daughters
• Overpraising in the Classroom
• Why Kasey And Chris encouraged their daughter NOT to join the High Achievers Program
• Homework can contribute to children hating learning
• Passion and purpose- Engaging children using a strengths-based approach
• Social Skills- Do we have to teach them? The importance of teaching children about conflict.

I know you'll enjoy today's episode.

Enjoy, Em x

 

Find Kasey here: @kaseyedwardswriter

https://www.kaseyedwards.com/

Find Em here: @thegradguide_

https://www.thegradguide.com to jump on the waitlist for The Grad Guide Mentorship March 27th

 

 

 

Today I speak with the beautiful Steph from SGR Holistic Occupational Therapy about how teachers can adopt a neuro-affirming approach in the classroom.

We discuss:

• Regulation: Addressing misconceptions
• The Zones of Regulation
• Teaching children to advocate for what they need
• Expected and Unexpected behaviours
• How to develop neuro-affirming IEP's in conjunction with health professionals
• Social skills groups- Do they actually help neurodivergent children?
• Where to go and how to broaden your knowledge on neuro-affirming practice
• What is masking and why it is so detrimental? (This is SO relatable for EVERYONE)

 

Remember, one step in the right direction is positive. Exceptional teachers are lifelong learners who continue to upskill, learn new things and adapt their practice and approach. At the end of the day we are there for the children so I believe it's important to continue to learn how to best support them in order for them to succeed and thrive!

Follow us on Instagram:

Steph @sgroccupationaltherapy

Em @thegradguide_

We are both also on LinkedIn if you are looking to connect.

 

If you are looking to follow some neuro-affirming accounts on Instagram, Steph and I recommend the following:

Divergent Lives

Neurowild

The Speech and OT Co

Neurodivergent_Lou

The Autism Collective

Gabor Mate

Connected Brain Body

Kristy Forbes

Play Learn Chat

Yellow Ladybugs

ND_Speechie

Christina Keeble

The Peke Centre

The ADHD Accountant

Holly The OT Podcast

 

If you're looking for more information on Brain Breaks and how to incorporate them into your classroom, go to the link in my bio on Instagram. There you will also be able to add your name to The Grad Guide Mentorship Waitlist, so you don't miss out when doors open on 27th March.

If you're interested in learning more about how we can develop skills in order to support children's behaviour, check out my upcoming Masterclass 'EQ for Educators' on 23rd March. Head to the link in my bio to register. 

 

 

Caitlyn is a country-turned-city teacher who has recently left her full-time teaching role and is exploring what life looks like in her 30's outside of the classroom setting. She is an avid reader, enjoys gardening, cooking and is a big fan of hot cups of tea hence, her Instagram account, teaandcountryteaching.

Caitlyn and I speak about:

• Her journey and experiences in teaching
• The transition from teaching in a small school to a bigger school
• Her pre-teaching experiences
• Inquiry learning
• Teaching in a team vs being the only one on your stage
• Her role as a team leader
• Her three tips for grads on how they can navigate their teaching life

Caitlin can be found on Instagram @teaandcountryteaching

Em can be found on Instagram @thegradguide_

In this episode, I'm breaking down how behaviour is actually a nervous system response, not a discipline issue.

You'll learn how to recognise what's going on underneath the behaviour so you can respond in a way that actually helps your students come back to a calm, connected, ready to learn state.

I'll also share the three nervous system states (based on polyvagal theory), what they look like in real classrooms, and why learning to regulate your own nervous system is one of the most powerful things you can do as an educator.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why some kids "flip their lid" over tiny things like a pencil

→ What nervous system dysregulation looks like in your classroom

→ How shutdown, fight, flight and freeze actually show up in real students

→ Why regulation always comes before expectations

→ How your energy shapes the safety and behaviour in your room

→ The difference between being calm vs being regulated

→ How to support kids before they lose control

If you're struggling with constant behaviour issues and it feels like nothing is working, this episode will help you shift your lens and show you what to focus on first.

Free Training for Teachers

Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or just not enjoying teaching the way you used to?

Download my free training: Teaching without the Overwhelm

It's short, practical and will help you feel more calm, confident and in control, without needing a perfect classroom.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠

Instagram: ⁠@em_gentle⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Today I am chatting with Bre from Miss Mindset, she is a lover of all things life, business and energetics and helps people master their mindset so they can live a very fulfilling life.  

Em and Bre chat about:

• Why Bre left teaching
• What Bre would love to change about the education system
• Reclaiming our power as teachers
• Tips to improve your mindset
• What teachers CAN focus on
• What Bre wishes was taught in Secondary school
• Changing the conversation around expectations for students
• The word balance sets us up for failure
• Every profession has challenges
• Tips for new teachers

Find Bre on Instagram @missmindset_

OR at https://www.missmindset.net/

 

Find Em on Instagram @thegradguide_

OR at https://www.thegradguide.com.au

 

Dr. Lori Desautels, has been an Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Her passion is engaging her students through the application of neuroscience as it applies to attachment, regulation, educator brain state, and teaching students and staff about their neuro-anatomy thus integrating Mind Brain Teaching, learning principles and strategies into her coursework at Butler. Today I speak with her about her her book Connections Over Compliance Rewiring our perceptions of discipline. If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend you do it's.a fabulous read. Enjoy the chat I had with Lori today, If you love it, don't forget to rate and review!

Lori and I speak about:

Why Lori wrote Connections Over Compliance- Rewiring our Perceptions of Discpline

Why does 'behaviour management' start with us?

Why we need to unpack our own generational discipline patterns

Tips for Teachers: How can we support challenging behaviours in the beginning of the school year when we don't have strong relationships yet?

Morning Meetings

Why we need to teach children about the brain

We can unintentionally escalate children- fight and flight

Why we need to unpack our our trauma, triggers and limiting beliefs

Trauma alters the brain

Moving away from traditional ways of looking at discipline- Power Over

Control is not the end goal when teaching children

Proactive solutions for supporting children- The Takeout Menu

How do we change our approach to children's behaviour in schools?

 

Find Lori https://revelationsineducation.com/?v=4096ee8eef7d

Instagram @lori.desautels

 

Find Em @thegradguide_

Welcome back to another episode of Let's Get Schooled. Today I'm speaking with Jacqueline from the Teachers Notebook on Instagram. She's such a beautiful soul. First we dive into who is Jacqueline, and discuss her background before teaching. She then shares some wonderful tips around CRT for new teachers. We speak about Positive Psychology, something that she has studied at Melbourne University, and then we unpack some wellbeing tips for new teachers.

 

• Who is Jacqueline
• CRT- Some tips for New Teachers
• What is Positive Psychology? 
• Wellbeing Tips for New Teachers- You're not expected to be an expert, you don't have to say yes to everything, create space for mistakes, allow for overwhelm, looking after your self-esteem, be okay with imbalance, boundaries for new teachers, keep your sparkle.
• Seek support

Find Jacqueline on Instagram: @the_teachers_notebook

Find Em on Instagram: @thegradguide_

 

The answer to the title is a BIG. FAT. NO! Ha!

Today I speak with the beautiful Lael Stone. I had to get her back again! She's an author of a new, wonderful book called Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children. She's the creator and director of a school, Woodline Primary. Lael works with the Resilience Project and she is the creator and co-host of the Aware Parenting Podcast. But wait, there's more....she's worked with teenagers teaching sex ed, and she was also a doula for many years. Oh my gosh, is there anything that she hasn't done?

So, if we know the Behaviourist Approach is no longer working for us and we know the impact it has on children, what do we do instead? Have a listen to find out!

Em and Lael discuss:

- What is Behaviourism and why are schools still relying on it?

- The good girl/good boy paradigm

- The negative affects of Behaviourism 

- Do you look at children through the lens of good and bad?

- How do we start making the shift?

- How do we manage children's big feelings?

- Why self-compassion is an essential ingredient

- Children and unmet needs

- Looking behind the behaviour- What does that mean?

- Why harsher consequences are not the answer and neither are rewards

- Supporting students to help them recognise what they need

- The smallest piece of connection matters

- Why it's hard going against the grain

 

You can find Lael at @laelstone on Instagram or head to her website https://laelstone.com.au/

Find Em @thegradguide_ on Instagram or on Facebook at The Grad Guide

Click the link below to join TGG Mentorship- Doors CLOSE Monday 30th Jan 7pm

https://www.thegradguide.com.au/mentorship

Nathaniel Swain is a teacher, instructional coach, researcher and writer, who is passionate about literacy, language and learning and effective and engaging teaching for all students. In 2019, he founded a community of teachers and other educators committed to The Science of Learning, called Think Forward Educators.

Today Em and Nathaniel chat about:

- How Nathaniel got into teaching

- The Science of Learning

- What is Think Forward Educators? Free Professional Development

- Have we been teaching reading and writing the wrong way round?

- Tips for new teachers (relatable for ALL teachers!)

- How should we teach genre?

- The importance of writing experimentation and writer's choice and voice

- Components of a writing program- structuring sentences and paragraphs, handwriting and spelling

Some of Nathaniel's recommendations: The Writing Revolution and PhOrMeS- Spelling Program

 

You can find out more information about Nathaniel and Think Forward Educators at https://www.nathanielswain.com/

 

You can find Em on Instagram @thegradguide_ and Facebook at The Grad Guide

The Grad Guide Mentorship for teachers in their first three years https://thegradguide.com.au/mentorship

Doors close on 31st of January!

I had the privilege of speaking to the lovely Jocelyn Seamer today, about all things Science of Reading and Structured Literacy! It's so important for teachers to be up to date with evidence based research. Jocelyn is determined to make sure that all teachers are supported to implement evidence informed practice in structured literacy.

 

Jocelyn and Em chat about:

• Who is Jocelyn Seamer?
• Jocelyn's passion for literacy and equity
• The difference between structured literacy and balanced literacy
• The Cueing System- The difference between guessing and problem solving when trying to read
• How to structure your literacy block in lower and upper primary
• The shift from Guided Reading to…
• Jocelyn's take on small group work and targeted teaching
• Text based units- The importance of units centred around rich texts
• The importance of 'we do' 
• How to have tough conversations
• Control the controllables
• How to teach sight words

For more information on The Grad Guide Mentorship go to www.thegradguide.com.au 

Find Em on Instagram @thegradguide_

Find Jocelyn on Instagram @jocelynseamer

For more information on The Resource Room go to https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/the-resource-room

The Resource Room comes with all the resources teachers need for their whole literacy block, 8 live mastermind sessions a year and 2 Teach Along courses delivered live, recorded and can be watched anytime. 

Jocelyn has given The Grad Guide Mentorship New Members a special deal, 2 months of the Resource Room for free when you sign up for an annual subscription. This is available for the first 50 people who join TGG Mentorship!! RUN, don't walk!

https://www.thegradguide.com.au/mentorship

JOIN NOW! Open for teachers in their first 3 years of teaching. Doors close 31st Jan 2023 

Happy 2023 beautiful teachers!! 

Today Em chats with Tam from Mrs Learning Bee. Tam is a former Kindergarten teacher and Assistant Principal based in Sydney, Australia. She has been teaching for 12 years, mostly in K-2 classrooms. Tam loves to support teachers by creating engaging, research-based learning activities that support K-2 students in developing strong foundational skills and a love of learning, as well as resilient minds and kind hearts. Alongside her partner, Tam has created an online platform for teachers called The Hive. Check it out by clicking on the Instagram link below.

Em and Tam chat about:

• Get to know Tam
• What it's like teaching Kindergarten- Fave things and not so fave things
• Reflecting on our teaching practice
• University did not prepare us for real life teaching!
• Literacy Rotations- Are they effective?
• Adapting programs to suit our learners
• How worksheets fit into your teaching program
• Planning hacks for new teachers!
• The Hive- Tam's Online platform for teachers!
• Tam's tips for new teachers.

I apologise for the poor quality of audio in patches. I know you will get a lot out of this episode!

Follow Em on Instagram- @thegradguide_

www.thegradguide.com.au Put your name on the waitlist for The Grad Guide Mentorship- Opening January 16th

Follow Tam on Instagram @mrslearningbee @learningwiththehive

Join the waitlist for The Hive- https://hive.mrslearningbee.com/

 

Today Em is speaking with Stephanie Robinson. She is a holistic occupational therapist who specialises in supporting neurodivergent children using an affirming, gentle and trauma informed approach. Steph has such a beautiful, calm nature and she is doing wonderful things in her private practice.

Today Em and Steph chat about:

- What is Occupational Therapy?

- How can teachers support neurodivergent children in the classroom?

-Using visuals in the classroom

- Sensory profiles

- Sensory tools to assist regulation

-The Zones of Regulation

-Recognising body clues and labeling emotions

-Behaviourism

- Acknowledging autonomy and individuality whilst honouring boundaries

- Explaining decisions to your students

Find Em @thegradguide_ 

www.thegradguide.com.au

Find Steph @sgroccupationaltherapy

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Em speaks with her beautiful mentor, Lael Stone. If Lael was to sum up in one sentence what she does, it would be 'I speak for the heart of the child'.

Lael is an Aware Parenting instructor and for many years she worked as a Doula, Calmbirth® Practitioner and Postnatal Trauma Counsellor. For 5 years, she taught Sex Education to high school students and worked with teenagers on all aspects of sexuality and wellbeing. She is also the creator and director of a school, Woodline Primary AND she just realised a book with her friend Marion Rose, titled 'Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children. What a woman of many talents!

Em and Lael discuss:

• Connection and compassion filters through everything we do
• Woodline Primary- Lael built a school 
• How Woodline is different from a mainstream setting 
• Why your philosophy and energy matters as a teacher
• Challenges teachers face in mainstream education 
• The importance of being emotionally literate as a teacher and how our upbringing and conditioning impacts the way we show up
• How to begin building your EQ
• What are we making things mean? To facilitate growth, we need to continually reflect and be curious 
• Emotional awareness starts with us
• Student autonomy- choice and voice 
• Lael's top 3 tips for fostering emotional literacy in the classroom

Head to www.thegradguide.com.au to find more information on The Grad Guide Mentorship for new teachers, launching January 16th 2023

More information about Lael can be found at her website https://laelstone.com.au/

Follow Em on Instagram @thegradguide_

Follow Lael on Instagram @laelstone @woodlineprimary @theawareparentingpodcast @aboutbirthonline

Teacher Wellbeing is very topical at the moment! And rightly so. We can't pour from an empty cup! 

Join Em as she chats with Meg Durham, a Teacher Wellbeing Educator.

 

Em and Meg cover:

• What is teacher wellbeing?
• Selfcare- is it just a buzzword?
• What selfcare really looks like for different people
• Self doubt- We experience this throughout all stages of our lives
• You don't have to have it all together, all of the time
• The 5 P's- Perfection, Pleasing, Pretending, Producer, Performing.
• The B word- Burnout
• The myth that we must be happy all of the time
• Recreational complaining
• Meg's top 3 tips for new teachers

 

Follow Em and Meg on Instagram

 

Em-  @thegradguide_

Meg- @megdurham_

In this episode, Olivia from Mindful Hearts Wellbeing shares how you can bring mindfulness into your classroom in simple, realistic ways without it feeling like "one more thing" on your to-do list.

She'll walk you through what mindfulness actually is (in teacher language), how it helps both students and teachers, and a four-step method you can use to set the tone for a calm and connected classroom especially in the mornings when things feel rushed or unsettled.

You'll also hear a short guided grounding practice at the end of the episode, so you can experience how calming it feels for yourself.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why mindfulness helps kids with focus, emotions, learning and behaviour

→ How to use movement, breath and sensory activities to settle your class

→ A simple 4-step method to use during morning transition or after lunch

→ Why mindfulness starts with you and how to fit it into your day too

→ Easy ideas for calming activities, grounding strategies and classroom routines

Connect with Olivia

Instagram: @mindfulheartswellbeing

Free Resources for Teachers

If you're feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here → Teaching without the Overwhelm

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠

Instagram: ⁠@em_gentle⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Emma Gentle

Welcome to Let's Get Schooled, brought to you by The Grad Guide. 

Emotional Intelligence is so underrated! So much emphasis is put on regulating students but where is the support for teachers?! crickets**** exactly! Nowhere to be seen. Many teachers are dysregulated and have no idea how to regulate themselves. How can we coregulate and provide a safe space for children if we can't handle our own emotions?

Em is so passionate about this topic because she's been there, so remember, you're not alone!

Em's first interview is with The QUEEN of Emotional Intelligence (although she did laugh when she was referred to as that, ha!) Alyssa Campbell, the founder and CEO of Seed and Sew. Alyssa is a teacher, parent, and an emotional development expert with a masters degree in early childhood education. 

Em and Alyssa cover:

• The Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP) method.
• Our triggers and social programming
• How to self-regulate as a teacher
• Expectations around emotions
• What building emotional intelligence looks like
• Rupture and repair
• The importance of SEL being part of daily practice
• Why language matters
• How beginning teachers can begin building their EQ

Em would love to hear whether this episode was helpful! Send her a DM @thegradguide_ to let her know whether you are going to try any of the strategies mentioned.

If you're a Graduate Teacher or a teacher in your first 3 years and you're looking for support, The Grad Guide Mentorship is launching in Jan 2023 which has been designed just for you! This ongoing Mentorship is going to be a gamechanger for new teachers. If you're interested to learn more go to www.thegradguide.com.au

 

Follow Em @thegradguide_

Follow Alyssa @seedandsew

In this episode, I'm talking about how to support neurodivergent learners in your classroom without having to create a hundred individual plans.

Most classrooms aren't built with neurodivergence in mind.

And when kids can't meet the expectations, we often fall back on the same old behaviour labels of "lazy," "disruptive," "off task."

But what if it's not about the behaviour? What if it's about the environment?

This episode gives you practical, realistic whole class strategies that help students who find things like noise, transitions, verbal instructions or social stuff hard,  especially kids who are autistic, ADHD, or have sensory differences.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ What's really going on for students who "can't sit still," interrupt, or shut down

→ Simple tweaks that make your classroom feel safer and calmer for every child

→ What to do when kids can't start tasks or forget instructions

→ How visuals, routines and chunking support working memory

→ Why movement, quiet corners and regulation stations are essential

→ What to reflect on if your classroom feels off, and where to begin

It's about small, smart shifts that help all kids, not just neurodivergent ones to feel more calm, capable and connected.

Free Resources for Teachers

If you're feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here → Teaching without the Overwhelm

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠

Instagram: ⁠@em_gentle⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Emma Gentle

Today, we're joined by Dr. Amie Fabry, an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant, and Director of Early Childhood at The Learning Future. Amie's work focuses on building the confidence, knowledge, and skills of early childhood educators and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures where both educators and children can thrive. She is also the author of Lead with Intention, the first leadership framework designed for early years education.

Leadership isn't about titles or power, it's about developing potential in others. In this episode, Amie shares how to cultivate a strong team culture, lead with self-awareness, and build trust so that educators feel confident, valued, and supported.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why leadership isn't just about titles, it's about impact.

→ How to develop self-awareness as a leader.

→ The power of knowing your 'why' and using it to guide decision-making.

→ How to foster collaboration and build shared values within your team.

→ Practical ways to create psychological safety so educators feel valued and empowered.

→ Why real leadership happens in the small, everyday moments not just in formal roles.

Want to go deeper?

If today's conversation resonated with you, Amie offers several ways to support your leadership journey:

Lead with Intention Framework – A practical guide breaking down these ideas with actionable steps.

1:1 Coaching – Work with Amie to build clarity and confidence in your leadership.

Professional Learning Programs – Join a cohort of like-minded leaders for deeper growth.

Find all the details at The Learning Future.

Connect with Dr. Amie Fabry:

Instagram: @thelearningfuture

LinkedIn: Amie Fabry

Email: amy@thelearningfuture.com

Resources for You:

Inspired by this episode? If you're ready to start developing your self awareness and leading with purpose, check out The EMotionally Intelligent Educator

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠

Instagram: ⁠@em_gentle⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Emma Gentle

Some student behaviours feel harder to handle than others. Some classroom management strategies don't sit right with you, even though they're supposed to "work." Ever wondered why?

Your mindset shapes everything about how you teach, how you see behaviour, how you respond to challenges, and even how you feel at the end of the day. But most of us have never stopped to think about where those beliefs come from.

In this episode, I'm talking about
→ Why certain behaviours get under your skin more than others
→ How your own school experience shapes the way you teach
→ How your subconscious beliefs might be keeping you stuck in outdated classroom management approaches
→ Simple shifts that can change the way you respond in the classroom

The way you see behaviour shapes how you deal with it. When you start noticing the beliefs behind your reactions, you can handle things with more confidence and less stress.

Shifting how you see student behaviour changes everything. When you move from control and compliance to curiosity and connection, your whole classroom dynamic shifts.

If you're ready to go further, The Emotionally Intelligent Educator gives you the tools to break old patterns and feel more in control. Find out more HERE

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠

Instagram: ⁠@em_gentle⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Emma Gentle

On the EMpowered Podcast Takeover Series, psychologist Jacquie Ward joins us to talk about something every teacher needs to know. How to support highly sensitive children in the classroom.

Some children feel things more deeply, notice the smallest details, and get overwhelmed more easily.

These students aren't being "too sensitive" or "overdramatic". They're wired this way. Up to 20% of kids are highly sensitive, and when we understand them, we can support them in ways that actually work.

Jacquie Ward is a Psychologist who works with Children, Adolescents & their Families.

It was a deep love of learning, combined with a fascination for developmental psychology and attachment theory that led Jacquie to pursue a career change after the birth of her first child.

She returned to University and almost 10 years, another two babies, and approximately 5,000 textbooks later, found herself immersed in her dream job. For Jacquie, working with children, teens and their families as they navigate challenges with mental health and wellbeing, is the ultimate privilege.

In this episode, Jacquie explains:

→ What high sensitivity really is (and what it's not)

→ How to recognise highly sensitive children in your classroom

→ Why they get overwhelmed and struggle with change or noise

→ The power of connection, safety, and predictable routines

→ Simple ways to help them self-regulate and build confidence

When you support highly sensitive children the right way, they feel safer, happier, and more able to learn. And let's be honest, it makes your job easier too.

 

Connect with Jacqui Ward

[Course] Helping your highly sensitive child to thrive

If this episode resonates, check out Jacquie's online course "Helping Your Highly Sensitive Child to Thrive" at www.jacquieward.com.au.

 

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

If you've ever felt like something is missing in your school community, whether it's student engagement, teacher retention, or just a general sense of belonging, this episode is for you.

Guest host Matt Pittman is talking about one of the most overlooked solutions in education.

Instead of sticking with bandaid fixes for disengagement, behaviour, or burnout, Matt shares how prioritising connection can shift your entire school culture and actually make teaching feel good again.

Matt is the Head of Senior School at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, a Catholic secondary school in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, and the author of The Connection Curriculum.

An experienced educational leader and a doctoral student researching connections across school communities, Matt's experience is varied, from the leadership of curriculum teams and programs to student wellbeing, student improvement and community engagement portfolios.

He has led Positive Education and student support programs and has a passion for working with students, parents, and staff to develop new understandings of the needs of young people in the 21st century.

What you'll get from this episode:

→ Why connection is the actual foundation of behaviour, well-being, and engagement.

→ How relationships, belonging, and meaning work together to create a thriving school community.

→ What empathic curiosity looks like in practice (and how to ask better questions).

→ Why emotional intelligence isn't just a buzzword.

→ The difference between inclusivity as a policy vs. inclusivity as a practice (and why most schools get this wrong).

→ How school leaders can create real, lasting culture change (without burning out their staff).

Teaching should feel good. Connection is how we get there.

A huge shoutout to Matt for taking over the podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure you hit follow or subscribe. We are just getting started.

Connect with Matt Pittman

LinkedIn: mattlukepitman

Instagram: mattlukepitman

Bluesky: @mattpitman.com.au

[BOOK] The Connection Curriculum - Igniting Positive Change in Schools Through Sustainable Connection

Upcoming events Matt will be speaking at

→ NEAA Staff Conference, Melbourne: 15 May

→ EDUtech, Sydney: 11-12 June

→ National Education Summit, Melbourne: 28-29 August

Go to his website and social media for more information

Resources for you

Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It's packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable, real world strategies.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Behaviour is communication and children act out when their needs aren't met.

But what does that actually mean? And how do we meet their needs in the classroom in a way that helps them feel safe, connected, and engaged?

In this episode, I'm talking about what it really means to meet children's needs (beyond the buzzwords) so you can shift from reacting to behaviour to understanding what's underneath it.

If you've ever wondered why certain students seem to be in constant meltdown mode, why some avoid tasks or disrupt lessons, or why connection is such a big deal, this episode will give you a clear framework to start working with.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ Why children's behaviour is often linked to unmet needs or skill gaps.

→ The five core needs that drive behaviour

→ How to shift from seeing behaviour as "good" or "bad" to recognising what children are trying to communicate.

→ Why focusing on connection and safety first leads to fewer behaviour challenges.

→ Practical ways to create a classroom culture where children feel safe, capable, and seen.

Free Resources for Teachers

Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle—10 comprehensive guides (including one on meeting needs) plus bonus resources like brain break guides and behaviour scripts. It's packed with actionable strategies to create a trauma-informed, non-punitive classroom.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Boundaries are often misunderstood, but when done right, they create safety, structure, and predictability. The key ingredients for a classroom where children feel secure and engaged.

If you've ever struggled with feeling like kids are walking all over you or wondered how to hold firm boundaries without resorting to control or punishment, this episode is for you.

This episode is part of the EMpowered Podcast Take Over Series, where incredible educators take the mic to share their expertise on creating conscious and connected classrooms.

Danica is an early childhood educator, university lecturer, practicum supervisor and mama of two. She is also the owner of Little Bloom, a platform that shares a multitude of information about child development, social-emotional learning and, most significantly, supporting children's behaviour and big feelings for early childhood professionals who support young children.

After working in the early childhood space for over 16 years, Danica has recognised a fundamental need for a shift in the way that we support children's behaviour - people are seeking help with how to effectively support young children's behaviour and emotional development but are unsure of where to find this information.

Through Little Bloom, Danica has made it her mission to bridge the divide between theory and practice by bringing evidence-informed information to early childhood educators by sharing personal anecdotes, camaraderie, current research and strategies.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

→ The difference between boundaries and limits (and why most people get this wrong).

→ Why firm and fair boundaries create emotional safety for children.

→ How to hold a boundary without yelling, shaming, or threatening.

→ What to do when children push back against a boundary

→ How boundaries actually support self-regulation and emotional growth.

→ A simple framework to help you set boundaries effectively.

Want more support with boundaries? Danica is running a workshop in April on limits, boundaries, and consequences, helping you use each of them as a tool to support behaviour, not control it. You'll walk away with a whole toolkit of practical strategies and a clear plan to make boundaries work in your classroom or home. Find the links on her instagram below!

To keep in touch, you can find Danica here:
Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy
Website – https://www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au/
Email – hello@littlebloomconsultancy.com.au

Resources for you

Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It's packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable strategies.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and mum, Jacquie Ward, for a really honest conversation about attachment, motherhood and the pressure modern mums are carrying right now.

There’s so much noise online about what “good” parenting should look like.

And for a lot of mothers, it’s creating anxiety, guilt and the feeling that no matter what they do, they’re getting it wrong.

So in this episode, we unpack what attachment actually is, what secure attachment really means, and why so many women are feeling torn between wanting to be deeply present mothers while also wanting purpose, ambition and fulfilment outside of parenting too.

We talk about:

- The difference between attachment and temperament

- Why secure attachment does not mean being with your child 24/7 and what research actually says about secure attachment

- How to create strong connection with your children while also honouring yourself

If you’re a mother who constantly feels pulled between wanting to do everything “right” for your children while also wanting something for yourself too, I know this episode will help.

You do not have to lose yourself to be a good mother.

Connect with Jacquie:

Instagram: @jacquieward

Website: www.jacquieward.com.au

Resources for you

Wanting to understand your nervous system better so you can focus on responding rather than reacting? Download ‘Map Your Nervous System States’ HERE as a beautiful starting point.

Connect with Em

Website: emmagentle.com.au

Instagram: @em_gentle

LinkedIn

Trauma affects how children learn in the classroom. When children don't feel safe, they cannot access the part of the brain required for learning. If you've ever wondered why some students seem constantly dysregulated, reactive, or withdrawn, this episode will give you the missing piece.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why trauma leaves a lasting impact on a child's behaviour, emotions, and ability to learn.

→ The difference between simple, complex, and developmental trauma and why it matters.

→ How trauma keeps children stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn states.

→ Why traditional behaviour management strategies (like rewards and punishments) don't work, particularly for children with trauma.

→ How to create a safe, predictable classroom environment that supports regulation.

→ Why your own emotional regulation is key to helping students feel safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Want to learn how to implement trauma-informed practices step by step? Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle for practical strategies to support students holistically.

If you're ready to focus on your own regulation and stress management, my Signature Online Program 'The Emotionally Intelligent Educator' will teach you how to stay grounded, balanced, and responsive in the classroom. Check it out here

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Rewards and punishments might seem like an easy way to manage behaviour, but do they actually work?

In this episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, I'm talking about why extrinsic rewards and punitive consequences don't create long term behaviour change, and what to do instead.

If you've ever relied on sticker charts, prize boxes, or detentions but found they don't really shift behaviour, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ Why rewards and punishments control behaviour in the short term but don't teach long-term skills.

→ How extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation and create a "what's in it for me" mindset.

→ Why punishments don't address the root cause of behaviour and often leads to shame and disconnection.

→ How understanding stress responses, unmet needs, and skill gaps changes the way we support behaviour.

→ What to do instead—effective feedback, setting boundaries, and holding space for emotions while keeping the classroom safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Need step-by-step guidance on replacing rewards and punishments with approaches that actually work? Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. Only $47.  It's packed with practical tools to help you build a connected, non-punitive classroom.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, I'm focusing on how you can set up your classroom and learning environment for 2025. It's not about Pinterest-perfect displays but creating a purposeful, functional space where children feel emotionally, physically, and mentally safe.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to balance aesthetics with practicality or you're unsure how your classroom setup impacts behaviour and learning, this episode is for you.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How to avoid overstimulating classrooms that overwhelm neurodivergent learners.

→ Why clutter impacts focus and behaviour and how to create a calm, organised space.

→ The importance of co creating your classroom setup with students for connection and ownership.

→ Practical tips for incorporating flexible seating, clear pathways, and sensory tools.

→ Why setting up for safety, functionality, and intention is the key to a successful school year.

Free Resources for Teachers

Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

If you're ready to learn everything about creating a classroom that's trauma-informed, non-punitive, and built on connection, Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. Only $47.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Welcome to the first episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, where I'm sharing quick and actionable steps to help you create a conscious classroom that feels safe, structured, and supportive from day one.

This episode is all about routines and expectations—the essential building blocks for a classroom where children feel secure and ready to learn.

If you've ever struggled with behaviours spiralling out of control or felt like your classroom just wasn't flowing, this is where you need to start.

Here's what you'll take away from this episode:

→ Why routines and expectations are the backbone of every successful classroom.

→ How to create consistency and predictability to help children feel safe.

→ The difference between routines and expectations—and why you need both.

→ Why co-developing expectations with your class builds connection and engagement.

→ How revisiting and practising routines all term long sets your classroom up for long-term success.

→ Simple ways to get clear on your routines before the school year starts.

Free Resources for Teachers

Download the Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step. From routines to displays, lesson planning, and classroom organisation, this checklist will save you time and stress.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

If you're ready to dig deeper into creating a classroom that's trauma-informed, non-punitive, and built on connection, Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. It's packed with 10 guides (including one on routines and expectations) and bonus tools to help you implement strategies that actually work. Only $47.

See you next week for episode two, where we'll focus on setting up your classroom and learning environment.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, you will learn how to set up your classroom this year to have a learning environment that's safe and nurturing, where students can thrive both academically and socially.

If you've ever wondered how to move away from punitive measures and into a more responsive, emotionally aware teaching approach, this episode is for you.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How emotional intelligence, connection, and responsiveness can transform your classroom into a supportive space.

→ Why self-awareness around your teaching beliefs and practices is the foundation for lasting change.

→ How old habits and default reactions can block progress

→ Why your regulation as a teacher directly impacts the emotional climate of your classroom.

→ How co-regulation works and why it's key for students' emotional development.

→ How to address unmet needs or lagging skills instead of resorting to punitive measures.

→ Strategies to support behaviour rather than reacting with discipline.

→ Why continuous growth and reflection are essential for conscious teaching.

→ How focusing on what's within your control allows you to show up as the teacher you want to be.

Resources for you

Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It's packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable, real world strategies.

🗓️ FREE Upcoming Workshops:

→ January 17th, 2025: Q&A for new teachers—your chance to ask all those questions you've been holding back. REGISTER HERE

→ January 20th, 2025: Teaching Without the Overwhelm—a 60-minute workshop to help you manage stress and thrive in 2025. REGISTER HERE

You must be registered to get access.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, I dive into the self-doubt and comparison trap that many educators, both new and experienced, find themselves stuck in.

If you've ever wondered why your brain zeroes in on what you're lacking and why you keep comparing yourself to other teachers, this episode is here to help.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ Why comparing yourself to others is normal but unhelpful.

→ Practical strategies to shift from 'I can't' to 'I'm learning,' and how to consciously take steps toward confidence and competence.

→ Why focusing on what you're doing well and celebrating your growth can help you rewrite your inner narrative.

→ The importance of bravery in rewriting your story and stepping into your power.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

I'm hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

A 60-minute workshop to help you go from reactive to regulated. Register here

Q&A for New Teachers: Everything You've Wanted to Ask

🗓️ January 17th, 2025

A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions you've been too afraid to ask. Register here

I would LOVE to see you at BOTH of these workshops. You must be registered to get access.

Other links mentioned in the episode:

The EMotionally Intelligent Educator Course

FREE journal prompts to elevate your EQ.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, I'm reflecting on a massive 2024, both personally and professionally and sharing my intentions for 2025.

2024 was full of growth, messy moments, and beautiful lessons. I hope my reflections inspire you to take stock of your own year and step into 2025 with intention and purpose.

Here's what you'll hear:

→ Why aligning your work with your passions is key to avoiding burnout

→ How reflecting on what worked and what didn't helps you set meaningful intentions for the year ahead.

→ How educators, parents, and leaders can build sustainable practices for growth and balance

→ What role emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation plays in navigating life's challenges and curveballs.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

I'm hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

A 60-minute workshop to help you go from reactive to regulated. Register here

Q&A for New Teachers: Everything You've Wanted to Ask

🗓️ January 17th, 2025

A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions you've been too afraid to ask.

Register here

 

I would LOVE to see you at BOTH of these workshops. You must be registered to get access.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Welcome back beautiful human!

In this episode, I'm sharing three simple habits that can truly improve your wellbeing over the holidays and into 2025. These strategies are designed to help you relax, recharge, and step into the new year with clarity, calm, and purpose.

Here's what you'll learn

→ How these three habits can help you process the year, find clarity, and connect with the person you want to become.

→ Simple techniques to regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and avoid burnout.

→ How shifting your mindset can improve your relationships, reduce stress, and boost your overall happiness.

These habits are more than just 'nice-to-haves.'

They are evidence-based practices that will help you reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and find more dare I say 'balance' in your personal and professional life.

These habits don't take much time but can make a huge difference in how you feel, both now and in the year ahead.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

Before I head on maternity leave, I'm hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot:

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

A 60-minute workshop to help you go from reactive to regulated. Register here

Q&A for New Teachers: Everything You've Wanted to Ask

🗓️ January 17th, 2025

A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions you've been too afraid to ask.

**Register here**

I would LOVE to see you at BOTH of these workshops. You must be registered to get access.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, I want to help you wrap up the school year with intention and positivity.

Whether 2024 has been your best year yet or one filled with challenges, this episode will guide you through reflecting, processing, and planning so you can head into the holidays rested and recharged.

Here's what you'll learn

→ Learn how to celebrate your successes, process what didn't go as planned, and uncover lessons to carry forward into 2025.

→ Practical tips for closing the classroom from organising, letting go of emotions that no longer serve you because you deserve to start the new year with a clean slate.

→ How you can truly disconnect, recharge, and make the most of your break.

→ What reflection prompts to work through to set yourself up for an amazing break and new energy in the new year.

The work you do matters deeply.

Taking the time to rest, reflect, and recharge isn't just for you, It's for the students you'll continue to show up for next year.

Give yourself the gift of joy, gratitude, and relaxation over the holidays, because you've earned it.

Resources for you

New Teacher Toolkit is BACK! If you are a new teacher, this FREE guide is for you.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, two incredible thought leaders in trauma-informed and restorative practices.

Together, they've written two books, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator and Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative School - Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behaviour.

It's all about creating safer, more connected classrooms that focus on collaboration and wellbeing rather than compliance and punishment.

We talk about the critical shift from punitive approaches to relational ones, how trauma-informed and restorative practices work together, and why this is essential for creating meaningful change in education.

What you'll learn in the episode:

→ Why trauma-informed and restorative practices must go hand in hand

→ Learn how these approaches are intertwined and why schools can't truly adopt one without the other.

→ The truth about punitive consequences and understanding the long-term costs of punishment on trust, mental health, and behaviour development.

→ How co-regulation and relational neurobiology can transform classroom culture.

→ Strategies and tools for educators for building trust, teaching skills, and holding boundaries without shame or compliance based tactics.

→ How doing the work on ourselves as educators is the foundation for transforming our classrooms and communities.

The Books

Building a Trauma-Informed Restorative School: Skills and Approaches for Improving Culture and Behaviour

Connect with Marg and Joe

LinkedIn: Joe Brummer

LinkedIn: Margaret Thorsborne

Resources for you

Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It's packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $77 and full of actionable, real world strategies.

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode, I'm getting into belief systems, because we don't realise how much they're running the show. They shape how we turn up in our business, how we parent our kids, how we see our partners, how we see ourselves.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why your beliefs shape everything from your income to how you parent
• How core beliefs form in childhood and why so many of them aren't even yours
• The reticular activating system and how your brain filters reality to match what you believe
• Confirmation bias and why you keep finding evidence for the story you're already telling yourself
• How beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies in your business and your motherhood
• Why "I am only lovable when I achieve" is running so many high-achieving women
• Why affirmations on their own don't work, and what you actually need to do alongside them
• The belief one of my clients was holding that was quietly sabotaging the exact success she said she wanted

If you've ever wondered why you keep self-sabotaging, or why the thing you say you want never seems to arrive, this one's for you. You can't change what you can't see, and this episode is about learning to see it.

Resources for you

• This is exactly what we're looking at inside my workshop, Success Without Self-Sacrifice, on June 18. It runs like a live coaching session. I'll be pulling people up into the hot seat to uncover the beliefs holding them back, whether you're starting a business, scaling one, going for a leadership role, or wanting to change how you see your kids and yourself. It's $47, and I'd love to have you in the room. [Save your spot HERE]

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

In this episode of The EMpowered Podcast, we're diving into a topic every teacher can relate to: stress.

While a little bit of stress can be healthy, chronic stress can leave us feeling overwhelmed, dysregulated, and depleted. I'll share three actionable strategies to help you reduce your stress levels, balance your body, and feel more in control of your wellbeing.

What You'll Learn:

→ How to notice when your body budget is out of balance and what to do about it.

→ How to regulate quickly using your breath

→ Simple ways to decompress after school and leave work stress behind.

→ How to reframe the connection between 'busy' and 'stress.'

→ A clever tool I use to help me focus on what I can control and where my energy goes

Learn more about our Signature Online Program 'The EMotionally Intelligent Educator' HERE

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

In this episode of The EMpowered Podcast, I'm diving into some of the most common questions I hear from beginning teachers, especially as they prepare for their first year.

This one is for all my new and graduate teachers feeling the overwhelm of getting started, don't worry, I've got you!

We cover everything from setting up your classroom and planning lessons to prioritising your wellbeing and navigating behaviour support. It's a jam-packed episode filled with practical tips and encouragement to help you thrive in your first year of teaching.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How to approach the school holidays - what you should and shouldn't be doing to prepare, and what should be your top priority.

→ Creating an intentional learning environment - how to design a space that is functional, calming, and welcoming.

→ Planning for success - what to plan over the holidays and how far in advance

→ Navigating behaviour management - how to align with your school's policies while adopting a compassionate, non-punitive approach to behaviour support.

→ Setting boundaries and preventing burnout - how to protect your energy, set non-negotiables, and learn to switch off from work and why it is critical in your first year.

→ The growth mindset you need to succeed - how to reflect on your teaching, embrace imperfection, and focus on resilience and self-compassion as you navigate the challenges of being a new teacher.

I also share exciting updates about TGGM Grow, my Signature Program for Pre Service and Graduate Teachers, which is now available as a self-paced course to support you at any time.

Plus, keep an eye out for our Black Friday offers, and don't forget to grab the New Teacher Toolkit—your free guide to setting yourself up for success in 2025.

Links and Resources:

Learn about TGGM Grow- Our Signature Program for PST's and Beginning Teachers HERE

New Teacher Toolkit (FREE Guide)

If this episode has been helpful, I'd love for you to leave a review and share it with a friend or colleague who might need it. 

Keep shining, and I'll see you in the next episode. 

Em x

Connect with Em

Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.emmagentle.com.au⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@em_gentle⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Emma Gentle⁠

Consequences in the classroom - where do you even start?

In this episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest questions I get from teachers: "How can I support student behaviour without falling back on punishments?"

I go through what really works (and what really doesn't) when it comes to behaviour, boundaries, and creating a connected classroom.

I know that as educators who are committed to supporting children's wellbeing, there can be a lot of confusion around how to handle consequences, boundaries, and behavioural support without leaning into punitive methods.

Here's what you'll learn:

→ How traditional punitive consequences (think: timeouts, detentions, and taking away recess) affect student teacher relationships

→ Why traditional consequences rarely address the root causes of behaviour.

→ What logical and natural consequences can look like in the classroom, how they differ from punishments, and why understanding a student's unmet needs is key to effective behaviour support.

→ Why boundaries help students feel secure and connected rather than ashamed or anxious.

→ Strategies to set up a classroom that minimises the need for reactive measures by promoting positive behaviour proactively.

→ When and how to use boundaries effectively to create a culture of respect without relying on shame or control.

There are so many proactive behaviour strategies to support students to help make a classroom 'management' feel natural, and not forced

Resources for you

Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It's packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable, real world strategies.

Connect with Em

Website: emmagentle.com.au

Instagram: @em_gentle

LinkedIn

Today, I'm diving into how to find a school that truly matches your philosophy on non-punitive, trauma-informed practices. If you want to work somewhere that values real student and teacher wellbeing, but don't know where to start, this one's for you.

Here's what you'll learn

→ How to use CRT (Casual Relief Teaching) as a way to 'test drive' a school's culture before committing long-term.

→ Why the right leadership and wellbeing focus are essential in creating a school environment that truly supports teachers and students.

→ What key questions to ask and what to look for in a school's values, social media, and programs to ensure they align with a non-punitive, trauma-informed approach.

→ How to leverage word of mouth and intuition to gather insights on a school, while avoiding common biases and misconceptions.

→ Why it's okay to prioritise your own wellbeing over job security when choosing a school environment that aligns with your values.

→ Why its okay to switch schools if it doesn't align with your values.

Resources for you:

The RCG (Regulate, Connect, Guide) Framework is designed to help parents, educators, and leaders effectively support children during and after big emotions. DOWNLOAD HERE

Connect with Em

Website: emmagentle.com.au

Instagram: @em_gentle

LinkedIn

In this episode, we welcome Chelsea Luker, an Autistic ADHD psychologist, author, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Chelsea dives deep into what it means to adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach, her journey as a parent to neurodivergent children, and her impactful work at Connect Us Psychology. Chelsea also discusses her book, Square Me Round World, a collection of stories designed to reflect and validate the experiences of neurodivergent children. From addressing the challenges in mainstream education to advocating for more inclusive environments, Chelsea offers invaluable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Resources Mentioned:

→ Chelsea's Book: Square Me Round World - Fictional stories designed to resonate with neurodivergent children and their families.

→ Connect Us Psychology Website: Connect Us Psychology

→ Yellow Ladybugs: Resources supporting autistic women and gender-diverse individuals in Australia.

→ Reframing Autism: Free courses and materials on neurodiversity and autism for educators and parents.

Connect with Chelsea:

→ Connect Us Psychology – Explore her services, book resources, and access the educator's guide for neurodivergent support.

→ If you're a teacher, leader or work with children and you want to learn more about how to build your emotional intelligence, support your children or your students in the classroom with their emotions, and how to understand why you react the way you do to behaviours and emotions, then I have a course for you. You can find out more HERE

→ 'Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms Bundle' FIND HERE

Connect with Em

Website: emmagentle.com.au

Instagram: @em_gentle

LinkedIn