The Courageous Classroom – Creating a Culture of Safety for Students to Learn and Thrive

JANET TAYLOR, MD, is a community psychiatrist and self-care expert with a focus on mental wellness. Dr. Janet is an international speaker on the impact of racial trauma, racism, anti-racism and conscious allyship, and frequent national media contributor. She is the mother of four daughters and resides in Florida. JED DEARYBURY is a nationally acclaimed, educational leader providing quality, hands-on, engaging learning experiences for students and teachers across the country. Jed has been featured in GQ magazine as Male Leader of the Year, and met President Obama as the SC winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. He is the author of another Jossey-Bass title, The Playful Classroom.

About the Authors xiii Foreword xv Kwame Scruggs, PhD Introduction xix Dr. Janet's Story xxii Jed's Story xxii What to Expect in This Book xxvi Chapter 1: The Brain's Fear System 1 Fear is Normal 1 Fear Keeps Us Alive 3 Fear Becomes Courage 7 Fear and Trauma Affects Learning 9 Fear as a Teacher 12 Fear is Paralyzing 14 Fear's Capacity 17 The Story of Kimmie 20 Let's Chat 25 Fear is Overcome-able 27 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 27 Learning Principle 28 Chapter 2: Animals and Fear 29 Animals Can Cause Fear 29 Let's Chat 33 Animals Survive Because of Fear 34 Animals and Mental Health 37 Animals in the Classroom 39 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 43 Learning Principle 44 Chapter 3: Fear Outside School 47 Trauma is an Adverse Childhood Experience 47 Trauma and the Brain's Development 51 Trauma Presenting in Children 53 Trauma as a Student and Educator 54 Let's Chat 59 Trauma's Effect on You 60 Take the ACE Questionnaire 61 The Story of Johnnie 64 Let's Chat 68 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 70 Learning Principle 70 Tips for Dealing with Your Trauma 71 Chapter 4: Crossing the Threshold into Schools 73 Courage in Spite of Circumstances 73 Courage at The Eagle Academy for Young Men 74 Courage During Car-Line Duty 77 Multi-focal Approach 78 The Story of Mary 80 Let's Chat 83 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 85 Learning Principle 85 Chapter 5: Fear Inside School 87 School Shootings 87 School Bullying 95 School Safety 97 School Anti-Bullying Programs 100 Bullying in the Classroom/Supporting Students: Tips for Teachers and Parents 103 Schools and LGBTQ+ Bullying 104 Let's Chat 108 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 110 A Courageous Mindset 110 Chapter 6: The Brain and Learning 111 The Impact on the Brain 111 The Brain Needs Time 113 The Brain and Sleep 115 The Brain and Adversity 117 The Brain and the Long-Term Effects of Trauma 118 Let's Chat 121 The Brain of a Coping Teacher 123 The Brain and Classroom Needs 125 The Brain's Health 127 Resilience 128 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 130 Learning Principle 130 Chapter 7: When Teachers Are Targeted 131 Aggression Against Teachers 131 A Story of Lawrence 133 Aggression and Teacher Safety? 135 Aggression Defined 137 Aggression and Social Learning 139 Aggression Disclaimer 141 Aggression Management 144 A Story of Tatum 146 Let's Chat 148 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 150 Learning Principle 150 Chapter 8: When a Child Is/Might Be in Danger 153 Relationships Are Paramount 153 Relationships with Student's Parents 155 Relationships with Students 156 Relationships and Mental Health 157 A Story of Frankie 159 Let's Chat 161 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 163 Learning Principle 163 Chapter 9: Building Courageous Classrooms 165 A Courageous First Day of School 165 A Courageous Man 166 A Courageous Definition and Neurobiology 168 A Courageous Story 169 Let's Chat 172 A Courageous Choice 173 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 175 Learning Principle 175 Chapter 10: Creating a Landscape of Calm in the Classroom 177 Acknowledge Diversity 177 Acknowledge the School Environment 179 Acknowledge Physical Spaces 180 Acknowledge Peace and Tranquility 183 Acknowledge Emotions 185 A Story About the Absence of Pride, Comfort, and Safety 185 Let's Chat 186 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 188 Learning Principle 188 Chapter 11: Health and Education 189 Obesity and School 189 Stress and School 190 Self-Care and School 192 A Story of Teacher Self-Care 195 Let's Chat 199 Tips for the Courageous Classroom 200 Learning Principles 201 Chapter 12: Talking with Parents 203 Approach as a Partner 203 Approach Without Assumptions 204 Approach with Grace 205 A Story About Anne 206 Approach with Care 208 Approach with Respect 209 Approach with Sensitivity 211 Approach with Resources 214 Let's Chat 215 Learning Principle 216 Chapter 13: What Now? 219 Let's Chat 222 Learning Principle 223 Appendix A: External Stimulus of the Brain 225 Appendix B: The Brain's Fear Circuit 227 References 229 Index 241