The science behind a joyful classroom, starring Tracey Severns, Ed.D.
Meet Our Guest(s):
Tracey Severns, Ed.D.
Tracey Severns, Ed.D., has held various roles in education, including superintendent and chief academic officer for the NJDOE. A nationally recognized presenter, she specializes in topics like evidence-centered leadership, educational accessibility, data analysis, PLCs, and school improvement. Her accolades include being named Educator of the Year by the Peace Islands Institute and National Distinguished Principal, and leading her school to become a National School of Change. She is an author on leadership and learning, and wrote Mistakes, Missteps, Missed Opportunities: Lived Lessons from the Real World of Educational Leaders. A recent addition to her career is her work as a stand-up comedian for educators, with her popular presentation, “Let’s Laugh: How to Bring Joy Back to Schools.”
Meet our host, Ana Torres.
Ana has been an educator for 30 years, working in both the K–8 and higher education sectors. She served as an administrator and instructor at various public and private colleges and universities and as a bilingual and dual language teacher, dual language math and reading interventionist, dual language instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal in K–8 schools. Ana is currently the Senior Biliteracy and Multilingual Product Specialist at Amplify, and delivers literacy and biliteracy presentations across the nation. Ana’s passion and advocacy for biliteracy and support for all students from all walks of life has led her to educate leaders, teachers, and parents about the positive impact of bilingualism and biliteracy in our world.
Meet our Classroom Insider, Eric Cross.
Eric Cross is a middle school science teacher who hopes to someday be a lifelong educator, like the guests on Beyond My Years! In each episode, Eric connects with host Ana Torres to discuss her guests’ best insights gleaned from their long and rewarding careers in the classroom. Then, Eric talks about bringing some of their wisdom into his current classroom and busy life.
Transcripts and additional resources:
Quotes
“When we view students not as difficult, but as those who challenge us to be our best, we switch from frustration to growth.”
“There's research out there. I know some of us feel like we intuitively know that [smiling] is important, but the data shows how important that is.”
“What I discovered is that when I was funny, if I could make them laugh, if I could say something that was unexpected, they paid attention. They hung on every word.”
“When we teach kids from a place of love and lightheartedness, we can really draw in even the most volatile and vulnerable youngsters.”
“We can do both rigor and relationships. We can address standards and smiles. We can do content and care.”
“ When you have a joyous classroom, you have a learning classroom.”