Working with Challenging Students

Most all teachers have had the experience of being the one who made a difference in the life of a student–and every student deserves to have such an adult in their lives.
There is no single intervention or trick to magically change a challenging student into a self-regulating and motivated participant. What does work is creating settings in which students are known, explicitly prompted and supported and praised, and given the academic and social tools to thrive. The experience of working with challenging students as they learn to thrive is one of the richest rewards of working in schools. Let’s get that experience more often.
Available Workshops
Click to learn more about each workshop below
Related Articles
Small (But Important) Steps to Integrating SEL into Lessons
How educators can bring SEL into any lesson without changing the curriculum
When to stop hanging In
After years of helping schools hang in with challenging students, it was time to clarify when to stop hanging in
Turning Fixed Mindset into Growth Mindset
A quick overview of Carol Dweck’s work, all pointing towards very specific strategies for giving students supportive and motivating feedback
The Power of Positive Regard
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?
This post first appeared in Larry Ferlazzo’s Education Week Teacher column, as part of a series of responses to the concept of personalized learning.
How Not To Be A Mountain Troll
Some advice to allow our most traumatized and wary students pathways to trust their teachers
That’s Not Mainstreaming!
A quick look back at the roots of special education and a list of recommendations to do our work better. This also appears on my blog with its original title, “Be Special, Educator!”
No Student is Unreachable
A framework for finding traction with students who may only seem to be totally shut down
Why Atheist Love the Common Core
An argument that hangs between satire, blasphemy and concern
A Process for Responding to Your Most Challenging Students
How teams of teachers can work together to identify strengths and share strategies
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.