The Positive Education Podcast With Ash Manuel

Episode #58 | Isabella Portolesi – Belonging First: Creating Classrooms Where Every Student Matters

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In this episode with Isabella Portolesi, we dive into what it truly means to action Positive Education in the classroom, through both daily routines and intentional teaching. Isabella shares her journey from psychology to education, offering practical insights that every educator can relate to and apply.

6 Key Takeaways

  • Isabella transitioned from a clinical psychology focus to teaching because she was drawn to the proactive, preventative side of supporting young people. Positive Psychology allowed her to focus on building strengths, belonging, and meaning, rather than only addressing what’s broken.
  • A strong culture of belonging is at the heart of Isabella’s teaching. She uses inclusive classroom rituals, encourages student-led sharing, and ensures every student feels recognised for their individuality. These daily practices create a safe space where connection and learning can thrive.
  • Isabella emphasises the importance of both embedding wellbeing language across everyday interactions and explicitly teaching skills like gratitude, resilience, and character strengths. The two approaches work best when used together and revisited regularly.
  • By creating low-stakes challenges without instructions, such as origami or puzzles, Isabella helps students become aware of their inner dialogue. These reflective activities build confidence and demonstrate how mindset impacts learning and achievement.
  • Isabella reassures educators that Positive Education often isn’t something “extra.” Many of its principles are already happening in schools, through relationships, support and daily care. The key is to notice, refine, and build upon what’s already working.
  • Living the values of Positive Psychology is just as important as teaching them. Isabella believes modelling wellbeing through how we treat students, colleagues, and ourselves is what makes the biggest impact. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, purpose, and consistency.

    • More About Isabella 

    Isabella holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology, complemented by qualifications in Psychological Science and Education. In collaboration with PeopleQ, her Master’s research explored the intersection of organisational psychology and wellbeing science, with a focus on how trust and team dynamics contribute to thriving workplace cultures.

    Driven by a genuine belief that everyone deserves a meaningful and purpose-filled life, Isabella brings warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based practice to her work. She is particularly passionate about helping individuals uncover their strengths and reach their full potential, whether in the classroom, in professional settings, or through collaborative research.

    As an educator, Isabella values the opportunity to create safe and supportive environments where individuals are encouraged to grow, connect, and flourish.

    Since 2020, Isabella has been an active member of the PESA SA Chapter, committed to championing system-wide wellbeing initiatives and expanding access to wellbeing science across all schools.

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    The Positive Education Podcast With Ash ManuelBy Ash Manuel