Never Underestimate the Power of Teachers to Mitigate Childhood Mental Health Difficulties
Early in my career as a teacher, one of my 9th grade students came early to my 8th period class to explain why she had been absent for the past… Read more »
Author Archives: Susan Ciminelli
Three Things Trauma Therapists Taught Me
I recently spent three days in training with mental health professionals at the Traumatic Stress Institute in Connecticut. Our trainers were experienced therapists who work for the Klingberg Family Centers… Read more »
12 Things You’ll Find in a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom
When presenting to groups of school principals, I’ve found it helpful to use imagery to help principals picture classroom activities and interactions that help students, even those who struggle with… Read more »
What’s YOUR ACE score?
More than half the adult population has at least one ACE. Those who have 3 ACEs are twice as likely to develop heart disease. Those who have 4 ACEs are three times… Read more »
A Positive Starting Note to Last through to June
I began my career in education as a music teacher. Getting the starting note on the right pitch was critical to the performance of the entire song. The same can… Read more »
Curiosity and Expertise: Foster These and You have Learners
A Kindergartener listens intently as an older child chats enthusiastically about the seed-growing project displayed on the table before them. The older child is now asking the Kindergartener questions like… Read more »
Eight Ways to Grab Students by Their Brains (And get great academic results!)
Brains love Novelty Brains love Relevance Brains love Movement Brains love Social Interaction Brains love Visuals Brains love Music Brains love Pattern Brains love Feedback 1. Novelty – This is… Read more »
A Bundle of Sticks
Ten years ago as I prepared for my first year as an elementary principal, I thought about the school culture and envisioned a warm, caring, joyful atmosphere where students supported… Read more »
How & Why I’m Here
I was asked why I have this passion to work instead of “just relaxing” and doing whatever “retired” people do. I blurted out to my friend, in half-jest, “because I wasn’t… Read more »
The Power of Kindness
Power is very magnetic. We are drawn to those who seem to hold the power to make things happen. We are charmed by politicians who exude confidence and the power to make a… Read more »
A Time to Nurture
I believe everyone has an underlying life mission and set of beliefs that when applied to our vocation can lead to our success and happiness. I believe that usually life “unfolds”… Read more »