Episodes
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Are you an educator feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like youâre 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 ânice-to-havesâ⌠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 youâre a teacher, leader, or support staff, youâll walk away with clarity, validation, and real next steps.
What youâll 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 lifeâstarting 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 âREADYâ on Instagram for $100 off.
Resources + Links Mentioned:
DM me âreadyâ on Instagram for your discount code
Learn more about The EMotionally Intelligent Educator
Follow on Instagram: @em_gentle
Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
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In this episode, Iâm breaking down how behaviour is actually a nervous system response, not a discipline issue.
Youâll learn how to recognise whatâs 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.
Iâll 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 youâll learn in this episode:
Why some kids âflip their lidâ 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 controlIf youâre 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
Itâs 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 -
Missing episodes?
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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 âone more thingâ on your to-do list.
Sheâll 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.
Youâll also hear a short guided grounding practice at the end of the episode, so you can experience how calming it feels for yourself.
What youâll 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 routinesConnect with Olivia
Instagram: @mindfulheartswellbeing
Free Resources for Teachers
If youâre feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here â Teaching without the OverwhelmConnect with Em
Website: www.emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn -
In this episode, Iâm talking about how to support neurodivergent learners in your classroom without having to create a hundred individual plans.
Most classrooms arenât built with neurodivergence in mind.
And when kids canât meet the expectations, we often fall back on the same old behaviour labels of âlazy,â âdisruptive,â âoff task.â
But what if itâs not about the behaviour? What if itâs 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 youâll learn in this episode:
Whatâs really going on for students who âcanât sit still,â interrupt, or shut down Simple tweaks that make your classroom feel safer and calmer for every child What to do when kids canât 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 beginItâs about small, smart shifts that help all kids, not just neurodivergent ones to feel more calm, capable and connected.
Free Resources for Teachers
If youâre feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here â Teaching without the OverwhelmConnect with Em
Website: www.emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn -
Today, weâre joined by Dr. Amie Fabry, an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant, and Director of Early Childhood at The Learning Future. Amieâs 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 isnât about titles or power, itâs 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.
Hereâs what youâll learn in this episode: Why leadership isnât just about titles, itâs about impact. How to develop self-awareness as a leader. The power of knowing your âwhyâ 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 todayâs conversation resonated with you, Amie offers several ways to support your leadership journey:
Lead with Intention Framework â A practical guide breaking down these ideas with actionable steps.
1:1 Coaching â Work with Amie to build clarity and confidence in your leadership.
Professional Learning Programs â 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: [email protected] Resources for You:Inspired by this episode? If youâre ready to start developing your self awareness and leading with purpose, check out The EMotionally Intelligent Educator
Connect with Em: Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn -
Some student behaviours feel harder to handle than others. Some classroom management strategies donât sit right with you, even though theyâre supposed to âwork.â 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, Iâm talking about
â Why certain behaviours get under your skin more than others
â How your own school experience shapes the way you teach
â How your subconscious beliefs might be keeping you stuck in outdated classroom management approaches
â Simple shifts that can change the way you respond in the classroomThe 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 youâre 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
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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 arenât being âtoo sensitiveâ or âoverdramaticâ. Theyâre 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 itâs 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 confidenceWhen you support highly sensitive children the right way, they feel safer, happier, and more able to learn. And letâs be honest, it makes your job easier too.
Connect with Jacqui Ward
[Course] Helping your highly sensitive child to thriveIf this episode resonates, check out Jacquieâs online course âHelping Your Highly Sensitive Child to Thriveâ at www.jacquieward.com.au.
Connect with Em
Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn -
If youâve ever felt like something is missing in your school community, whether itâs 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, Mattâs 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 youâll 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 isnât 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 ConnectionUpcoming events Matt will be speaking at
NEAA Staff Conference, Melbourne: 15 May EDUtech, Sydney: 11-12 June National Education Summit, Melbourne: 28-29 AugustGo 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. Itâs 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 -
Behaviour is communication and children act out when their needs arenât 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, Iâm talking about what it really means to meet childrenâs needs (beyond the buzzwords) so you can shift from reacting to behaviour to understanding whatâs underneath it.
If youâve 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.
Hereâs what youâll learn:
Why childrenâs behaviour is often linked to unmet needs or skill gaps. The five core needs that drive behaviour How to shift from seeing behaviour as âgoodâ or âbadâ 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 bundleâ10 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 -
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 youâve 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 childrenâs 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 childrenâs behaviour - people are seeking help with how to effectively support young childrenâs 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.
Hereâs what youâll 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 â https://www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au/
Email â [email protected]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. Itâs 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: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn -
Trauma affects how children learn in the classroom. When children donât 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 youâll learn in this episode:
Why trauma leaves a lasting impact on a childâs 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) donât 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 youâre ready to focus on your own regulation and stress management, my Signature Online Program âThe Emotionally Intelligent Educatorâ 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 -
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, Iâm talking about why extrinsic rewards and punitive consequences donât create long term behaviour change, and what to do instead.
If youâve ever relied on sticker charts, prize boxes, or detentions but found they donât really shift behaviour, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.
What youâll learn in this episode:
Why rewards and punishments control behaviour in the short term but donât teach long-term skills. How extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation and create a âwhatâs in it for meâ mindset. Why punishments donât 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 insteadâeffective 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. Itâs 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 -
In this episode, Iâm focusing on how you can set up your classroom and learning environment for 2025. Itâs not about Pinterest-perfect displays but creating a purposeful, functional space where children feel emotionally, physically, and mentally safe.
If youâve ever felt overwhelmed trying to balance aesthetics with practicality or youâre unsure how your classroom setup impacts behaviour and learning, this episode is for you.
Hereâs what youâll 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 youâre ready to learn everything about creating a classroom thatâs 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 -
Welcome to the first episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, where Iâm 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 expectationsâthe essential building blocks for a classroom where children feel secure and ready to learn.
If youâve ever struggled with behaviours spiralling out of control or felt like your classroom just wasnât flowing, this is where you need to start.
Hereâs what youâll 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 expectationsâand 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 youâre ready to dig deeper into creating a classroom thatâs trauma-informed, non-punitive, and built on connection, Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. Itâs 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 weâll focus on setting up your classroom and learning environment.
Connect with Em
Website: www.emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn -
In this episode, you will learn how to set up your classroom this year to have a learning environment thatâs safe and nurturing, where students can thrive both academically and socially.
If youâve ever wondered how to move away from punitive measures and into a more responsive, emotionally aware teaching approach, this episode is for you.
Hereâs what youâll 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 itâs key for studentsâ 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 whatâs 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. Itâs 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.đď¸ FREE Upcoming Workshops:
January 17th, 2025: Q&A for new teachersâyour chance to ask all those questions youâve been holding back. REGISTER HERE January 20th, 2025: Teaching Without the Overwhelmâa 60-minute workshop to help you manage stress and thrive in 2025. REGISTER HEREYou must be registered to get access.
Connect with Em
Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn -
In this episode, I dive into the self-doubt and comparison trap that many educators, both new and experienced, find themselves stuck in.
If youâve ever wondered why your brain zeroes in on what youâre lacking and why you keep comparing yourself to other teachers, this episode is here to help.
Hereâs what youâll learn:
Why comparing yourself to others is normal but unhelpful. Practical strategies to shift from âI canâtâ to âIâm learning,â and how to consciously take steps toward confidence and competence. Why focusing on what youâre 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!
Iâm 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
đď¸ 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 Youâve Wanted to Ask
đď¸ January 17th, 2025
A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions youâve 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: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn Em Gentle -
In this episode, Iâm 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.
Hereâs what youâll hear:
How I balanced personal growth, professional milestones and unexpected challenges Why aligning your work with your passions is key to avoiding burnout How reflecting on what worked and what didnât 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 lifeâs challenges and curveballs.FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!
Iâm 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
đď¸ 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 Youâve Wanted to Ask
đď¸ January 17th, 2025
A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions youâve 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: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn Em Gentle -
Welcome back beautiful human!
In this episode, Iâm 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.
Hereâs what youâll 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 ânice-to-haves.â
They are evidence-based practices that will help you reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and find more dare I say âbalanceâ in your personal and professional life.
These habits donât 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, Iâm 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
đď¸ 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 Youâve Wanted to Ask
đď¸ January 17th, 2025
A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions youâve 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: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn Em 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.
Hereâs what youâll learn
Learn how to celebrate your successes, process what didnât 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 isnât just for you, Itâs for the students youâll continue to show up for next year.
Give yourself the gift of joy, gratitude, and relaxation over the holidays, because youâve 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: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn Em Gentle -
In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, two incredible thought leaders in trauma-informed and restorative practices.
Together, theyâve written two books, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator and Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative School - Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behaviour.
Itâs 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 youâll learn in the episode:
Why trauma-informed and restorative practices must go hand in hand Learn how these approaches are intertwined and why schools canât 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
Building a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator: Skills and Approaches for Improving Culture and BehaviourConnect with Marg and Joe
LinkedIn: Joe Brummer LinkedIn: Margaret ThorsborneResources 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. Itâs 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: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn Em Gentle - Show more
