Making connections, meeting students where they are and treating them as whole human beings. 

These are just some of the ways Cierra Nickerson, principal of Hall Success Academy, ensures she is running a just school.

In our first full episode of Just Schools, Cierra joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she contributes to students' well-being – one of the F.E.W core elements – by making connections with them to help them grow and find success both in school and outside of school.

To learn more about the F.E.W core elements of teaching, pre-order Jon's book, Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student.

The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.

Be encouraged.

Timestamps:

[2:00] - Cierra tells us about Hall Success Academy.

[4:12] - Connection with students is so important. Cierra explains why.

[7:30] - Recognizing students' uniqueness helps cultivate relationships.

[8:30] - Having faculty that understands students' background contributes to their success.

[12:16] - Cierra explains how she uses her professional network to connect students with professionals and resources.

[14:15] - How are you? Is a loaded but necessary question.

[16:45] - School districts are stronger together. 

[18:00] - Slow down to go fast.

Resources:

Hall Success Academy

Books:

Just teaching: Feedback, engagement, and well-being for each student by Jon Eckert

Connect on Twitter:

Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl

Jon Eckert: @eckertjon

Cierra Nickerson: @NickersonCierra