Articles and insights From Jeffrey Benson
Filter posts by clicking on the categories below.
The overabundance of rules in middle and high schools creates conflict
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, Whole Teen
Too much restriction can tamper teens’ individuality and resolve, as well as destroy school staff relationships. Here’s how to pare them down.
When Teacher Self-Care Is Not Enough
We need better structures to sustain teachers who work with students with mental illnesses.
The Power of Positive Regard
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Originally titled “Praising and Loving Students,’ this ASCD on-line article asks all of us to recognize and support every student as a member of the community for doing no more than crossing the threshold into the school and the classroom
What does “personalized learning” mean, & what can it look like in the classroom?
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Learning is an accomplishment of attention and effort that can take place in an auditorium filled with 2,000 people, or at a corner table in a library. It takes place with a teacher, or a coach, or with peers, or when you are alone. Learning is always a personal experience for the learner.
How Not To Be A Mountain Troll
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
For many troubled students, adults have represented danger and uncertainty. Let’s change that.
That’s Not Mainstreaming!
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
I am old enough to have been there at the beginning of special education, and fortunately, I completely missed the euphemism of “special.”
No Student is Unreachable
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
A framework for finding traction with students who may only seem to be totally shut down
A Process for Responding to Your Most Challenging Students
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
How teams of teachers can work together to identify strengths and share strategies
Finding Common Ground
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership
All students benefit when regular education teachers and special educators work together.
Four Frames For Principals
I summarize four approaches that principals can take to manage their work and build community
Creating Our Most Compliant Generation of Workers Yet
A satirical look at how schools could function if we just wished our teachers and students would do what they were told to do, This is an edited version “Schools that Work and Work Don’t Work”: found on my blog
How To Be A More Interesting Teacher
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL, Whole Teen
It is not a version of grit to passively accept boredom. It is not a version of grit to be passive. For teachers or for students: it’s a version of submission.
Keep It Simple: Do These 4 Things Every Time You Teach
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL
The nuts-and-bolts of giving directions so that students are most likely to find their entry into the task
100 Repetitions
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Teachers of troubled students need to know that the road to success is paved with many useful failures.
Designing Advisory for Resiliency
Change Team, Leadership, Whole Teen
Written with Rachel Poliner, an exploration of how the lessons of resiliency apply to students and school programs
The overabundance of rules in middle and high schools creates conflict
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, Whole Teen
Too much restriction can tamper teens’ individuality and resolve, as well as destroy school staff relationships. Here’s how to pare them down.
When Teacher Self-Care Is Not Enough
We need better structures to sustain teachers who work with students with mental illnesses.
The Power of Positive Regard
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Originally titled “Praising and Loving Students,’ this ASCD on-line article asks all of us to recognize and support every student as a member of the community for doing no more than crossing the threshold into the school and the classroom
What does “personalized learning” mean, & what can it look like in the classroom?
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Learning is an accomplishment of attention and effort that can take place in an auditorium filled with 2,000 people, or at a corner table in a library. It takes place with a teacher, or a coach, or with peers, or when you are alone. Learning is always a personal experience for the learner.
How Not To Be A Mountain Troll
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
For many troubled students, adults have represented danger and uncertainty. Let’s change that.
That’s Not Mainstreaming!
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
I am old enough to have been there at the beginning of special education, and fortunately, I completely missed the euphemism of “special.”
No Student is Unreachable
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
A framework for finding traction with students who may only seem to be totally shut down
A Process for Responding to Your Most Challenging Students
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
How teams of teachers can work together to identify strengths and share strategies
Finding Common Ground
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership
All students benefit when regular education teachers and special educators work together.
Four Frames For Principals
I summarize four approaches that principals can take to manage their work and build community
Creating Our Most Compliant Generation of Workers Yet
A satirical look at how schools could function if we just wished our teachers and students would do what they were told to do, This is an edited version “Schools that Work and Work Don’t Work”: found on my blog
How To Be A More Interesting Teacher
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL, Whole Teen
It is not a version of grit to passively accept boredom. It is not a version of grit to be passive. For teachers or for students: it’s a version of submission.
Keep It Simple: Do These 4 Things Every Time You Teach
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL
The nuts-and-bolts of giving directions so that students are most likely to find their entry into the task
100 Repetitions
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Teachers of troubled students need to know that the road to success is paved with many useful failures.
Designing Advisory for Resiliency
Change Team, Leadership, Whole Teen
Written with Rachel Poliner, an exploration of how the lessons of resiliency apply to students and school programs
Connect with Jeffrey Benson
Want to learn more about how Jeffrey can support your school or organization? Schedule at time to meet with Jeffrey to learn more about customized workshops and other services.