In this episode of Middle School Walk & Talk, hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire welcome Jen Cort, a seasoned educator, administrator, counselor, and incoming head of school, to discuss fostering healthy school communities amid societal polarization. Cort emphasizes the importance of grounding classroom and school practices in a clear, actionable mission to guide conversations and set boundaries for disagreements. She offers practical strategies, such as co-constructing agreements with students to anticipate and address mistakes, particularly those involving identity-based harm, to build trust and accountability. Cort advises teachers to listen actively without rushing to fix issues, underscoring the need for grace, reflection, and a commitment to a school’s mission to create inclusive, supportive environments.

You can find Jen's book, Help Us Begin: HUB Strategies and Mindsets for Meaningful Conversations with Kids, Especially When You are Challenged by the Topic, in the AMLE Store. 

Middle School Walk & Talk is a production of the Association for Middle Level Education. Learn more at amle.org.