Are you an educator feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you’re surviving from one school holiday to the next? Wondering how to stay in this profession you love without sacrificing your wellbeing?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I share from the heart, recording with my newborn snuggled up on my chest, about why emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation are not “nice-to-haves”… but essential tools for educators and school leaders today.

We dive into the real root causes of burnout, why so many teachers feel like they're drowning, and how we can begin shifting school culture from the inside out, without adding more to your already overloaded plate. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or support staff, you’ll walk away with clarity, validation, and real next steps.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why regulation is the missing link in education reform

• How stress and unresolved trauma show up in the classroom

• What happens when your nervous system leads the way

• Why inner work is non-negotiable for teachers and leaders

• The real impact of emotionally intelligent educators on students

• How to shift your classroom and your life—starting with you

If you're ready to create a ripple effect in your classroom, school and home, this episode is your starting point.

✨ Ready to do the work? Join The EMotionally Intelligent Educator and DM me “READY” on Instagram for $100 off.

Resources + Links Mentioned:

• DM me “ready” on Instagram for your discount code

• Learn more about The EMotionally Intelligent Educator

• Follow on Instagram: @em_gentle

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au

In this episode, I’m breaking down how behaviour is actually a nervous system response, not a discipline issue.

You’ll learn how to recognise what’s going on underneath the behaviour so you can respond in a way that actually helps your students come back to a calm, connected, ready to learn state.

I’ll also share the three nervous system states (based on polyvagal theory), what they look like in real classrooms, and why learning to regulate your own nervous system is one of the most powerful things you can do as an educator.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why some kids “flip their lid” over tiny things like a pencil
• What nervous system dysregulation looks like in your classroom
• How shutdown, fight, flight and freeze actually show up in real students
• Why regulation always comes before expectations
• How your energy shapes the safety and behaviour in your room
• The difference between being calm vs being regulated
• How to support kids before they lose control

If you’re struggling with constant behaviour issues and it feels like nothing is working, this episode will help you shift your lens and show you what to focus on first.

Free Training for Teachers

Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or just not enjoying teaching the way you used to?

Download my free training: Teaching without the Overwhelm

It’s short, practical and will help you feel more calm, confident and in control, without needing a perfect classroom.

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

In this episode, Olivia from Mindful Hearts Wellbeing shares how you can bring mindfulness into your classroom in simple, realistic ways without it feeling like “one more thing” on your to-do list.

She’ll walk you through what mindfulness actually is (in teacher language), how it helps both students and teachers, and a four-step method you can use to set the tone for a calm and connected classroom especially in the mornings when things feel rushed or unsettled.

You’ll also hear a short guided grounding practice at the end of the episode, so you can experience how calming it feels for yourself.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why mindfulness helps kids with focus, emotions, learning and behaviour
• How to use movement, breath and sensory activities to settle your class
• A simple 4-step method to use during morning transition or after lunch
• Why mindfulness starts with you and how to fit it into your day too
• Easy ideas for calming activities, grounding strategies and classroom routines

Connect with Olivia

Instagram: @mindfulheartswellbeing

Free Resources for Teachers

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here → Teaching without the Overwhelm

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

In this episode, I’m talking about how to support neurodivergent learners in your classroom without having to create a hundred individual plans.

Most classrooms aren’t built with neurodivergence in mind.

And when kids can’t meet the expectations, we often fall back on the same old behaviour labels of “lazy,” “disruptive,” “off task.”

But what if it’s not about the behaviour? What if it’s about the environment?

This episode gives you practical, realistic whole class strategies that help students who find things like noise, transitions, verbal instructions or social stuff hard,  especially kids who are autistic, ADHD, or have sensory differences.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What’s really going on for students who “can’t sit still,” interrupt, or shut down
• Simple tweaks that make your classroom feel safer and calmer for every child
• What to do when kids can’t start tasks or forget instructions
• How visuals, routines and chunking support working memory
• Why movement, quiet corners and regulation stations are essential
• What to reflect on if your classroom feels off, and where to begin

It’s about small, smart shifts that help all kids, not just neurodivergent ones to feel more calm, capable and connected.

Free Resources for Teachers

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here → Teaching without the Overwhelm

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Amie Fabry, an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant, and Director of Early Childhood at The Learning Future. Amie’s work focuses on building the confidence, knowledge, and skills of early childhood educators and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures where both educators and children can thrive. She is also the author of Lead with Intention, the first leadership framework designed for early years education.

Leadership isn’t about titles or power, it’s about developing potential in others. In this episode, Amie shares how to cultivate a strong team culture, lead with self-awareness, and build trust so that educators feel confident, valued, and supported.

• Why leadership isn’t just about titles, it’s about impact.
• How to develop self-awareness as a leader.
• The power of knowing your ‘why’ and using it to guide decision-making.
• How to foster collaboration and build shared values within your team.
• Practical ways to create psychological safety so educators feel valued and empowered.
• Why real leadership happens in the small, everyday moments not just in formal roles.

If today’s conversation resonated with you, Amie offers several ways to support your leadership journey:

Lead with Intention Framework – A practical guide breaking down these ideas with actionable steps.

1:1 Coaching – Work with Amie to build clarity and confidence in your leadership.

Professional Learning Programs – Join a cohort of like-minded leaders for deeper growth.

Find all the details at The Learning Future.

• Instagram: @thelearningfuture
• LinkedIn: Amie Fabry
• Email: [email protected]

Inspired by this episode? If you’re ready to start developing your self awareness and leading with purpose, check out The EMotionally Intelligent Educator

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

Some student behaviours feel harder to handle than others. Some classroom management strategies don’t sit right with you, even though they’re supposed to “work.” Ever wondered why?

Your mindset shapes everything about how you teach, how you see behaviour, how you respond to challenges, and even how you feel at the end of the day. But most of us have never stopped to think about where those beliefs come from.

In this episode, I’m talking about → Why certain behaviours get under your skin more than others → How your own school experience shapes the way you teach → How your subconscious beliefs might be keeping you stuck in outdated classroom management approaches → Simple shifts that can change the way you respond in the classroom

The way you see behaviour shapes how you deal with it. When you start noticing the beliefs behind your reactions, you can handle things with more confidence and less stress.

Shifting how you see student behaviour changes everything. When you move from control and compliance to curiosity and connection, your whole classroom dynamic shifts.

If you’re ready to go further, The Emotionally Intelligent Educator gives you the tools to break old patterns and feel more in control. Find out more HERE

On the EMpowered Podcast Takeover Series, psychologist Jacquie Ward joins us to talk about something every teacher needs to know. How to support highly sensitive children in the classroom.

Some children feel things more deeply, notice the smallest details, and get overwhelmed more easily.

These students aren’t being “too sensitive” or “overdramatic”. They’re wired this way. Up to 20% of kids are highly sensitive, and when we understand them, we can support them in ways that actually work.

Jacquie Ward is a Psychologist who works with Children, Adolescents & their Families.

It was a deep love of learning, combined with a fascination for developmental psychology and attachment theory that led Jacquie to pursue a career change after the birth of her first child.

She returned to University and almost 10 years, another two babies, and approximately 5,000 textbooks later, found herself immersed in her dream job. For Jacquie, working with children, teens and their families as they navigate challenges with mental health and wellbeing, is the ultimate privilege.

In this episode, Jacquie explains:

• What high sensitivity really is (and what it’s not)
• How to recognise highly sensitive children in your classroom
• Why they get overwhelmed and struggle with change or noise
• The power of connection, safety, and predictable routines
• Simple ways to help them self-regulate and build confidence

When you support highly sensitive children the right way, they feel safer, happier, and more able to learn. And let’s be honest, it makes your job easier too.

Connect with Jacqui Ward

• [Course] Helping your highly sensitive child to thrive

If this episode resonates, check out Jacquie’s online course “Helping Your Highly Sensitive Child to Thrive” at www.jacquieward.com.au.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

If you’ve ever felt like something is missing in your school community, whether it’s student engagement, teacher retention, or just a general sense of belonging, this episode is for you.

Guest host Matt Pittman is talking about one of the most overlooked solutions in education.

Instead of sticking with bandaid fixes for disengagement, behaviour, or burnout, Matt shares how prioritising connection can shift your entire school culture and actually make teaching feel good again.

Matt is the Head of Senior School at Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs, a Catholic secondary school in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, and the author of The Connection Curriculum.

An experienced educational leader and a doctoral student researching connections across school communities, Matt’s experience is varied, from the leadership of curriculum teams and programs to student wellbeing, student improvement and community engagement portfolios.

He has led Positive Education and student support programs and has a passion for working with students, parents, and staff to develop new understandings of the needs of young people in the 21st century.

What you’ll get from this episode:

• Why connection is the actual foundation of behaviour, well-being, and engagement.
• How relationships, belonging, and meaning work together to create a thriving school community.
• What empathic curiosity looks like in practice (and how to ask better questions).
• Why emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword.
• The difference between inclusivity as a policy vs. inclusivity as a practice (and why most schools get this wrong).
• How school leaders can create real, lasting culture change (without burning out their staff).

Teaching should feel good. Connection is how we get there.

A huge shoutout to Matt for taking over the podcast. If this episode resonated with you, make sure you hit follow or subscribe. We are just getting started.

Connect with Matt Pittman

• LinkedIn: mattlukepitman
• Instagram: mattlukepitman
• Bluesky: @mattpitman.com.au
• [BOOK] The Connection Curriculum - Igniting Positive Change in Schools Through Sustainable Connection

Upcoming events Matt will be speaking at

• NEAA Staff Conference, Melbourne: 15 May
• EDUtech, Sydney: 11-12 June
• National Education Summit, Melbourne: 28-29 August

Go to his website and social media for more information

Resources for you

• Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It’s packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable, real world strategies.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

Behaviour is communication and children act out when their needs aren’t met.

But what does that actually mean? And how do we meet their needs in the classroom in a way that helps them feel safe, connected, and engaged?

In this episode, I’m talking about what it really means to meet children’s needs (beyond the buzzwords) so you can shift from reacting to behaviour to understanding what’s underneath it.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain students seem to be in constant meltdown mode, why some avoid tasks or disrupt lessons, or why connection is such a big deal, this episode will give you a clear framework to start working with.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why children’s behaviour is often linked to unmet needs or skill gaps.
• The five core needs that drive behaviour
• How to shift from seeing behaviour as “good” or “bad” to recognising what children are trying to communicate.
• Why focusing on connection and safety first leads to fewer behaviour challenges.
• Practical ways to create a classroom culture where children feel safe, capable, and seen.

Free Resources for Teachers

• Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle—10 comprehensive guides (including one on meeting needs) plus bonus resources like brain break guides and behaviour scripts. It's packed with actionable strategies to create a trauma-informed, non-punitive classroom.

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

Boundaries are often misunderstood, but when done right, they create safety, structure, and predictability. The key ingredients for a classroom where children feel secure and engaged.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like kids are walking all over you or wondered how to hold firm boundaries without resorting to control or punishment, this episode is for you.

This episode is part of the EMpowered Podcast Take Over Series, where incredible educators take the mic to share their expertise on creating conscious and connected classrooms.

Danica is an early childhood educator, university lecturer, practicum supervisor and mama of two. She is also the owner of Little Bloom, a platform that shares a multitude of information about child development, social-emotional learning and, most significantly, supporting children’s behaviour and big feelings for early childhood professionals who support young children.

After working in the early childhood space for over 16 years, Danica has recognised a fundamental need for a shift in the way that we support children’s behaviour - people are seeking help with how to effectively support young children’s behaviour and emotional development but are unsure of where to find this information.

Through Little Bloom, Danica has made it her mission to bridge the divide between theory and practice by bringing evidence-informed information to early childhood educators by sharing personal anecdotes, camaraderie, current research and strategies.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The difference between boundaries and limits (and why most people get this wrong).
• Why firm and fair boundaries create emotional safety for children.
• How to hold a boundary without yelling, shaming, or threatening.
• What to do when children push back against a boundary
• How boundaries actually support self-regulation and emotional growth.
• A simple framework to help you set boundaries effectively.

Want more support with boundaries? Danica is running a workshop in April on limits, boundaries, and consequences, helping you use each of them as a tool to support behaviour, not control it. You'll walk away with a whole toolkit of practical strategies and a clear plan to make boundaries work in your classroom or home. Find the links on her instagram below!

To keep in touch, you can find Danica here: Instagram: @littlebloom.consultancy Website – https://www.littlebloomconsultancy.com.au/ Email – [email protected]

Resources for you

• Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It’s packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable strategies.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn