Host Ana Torres welcomes former NJDOE Chief Academic Officer Tracey Severns, Ed.D., to discuss not just how to bring more joy to the classroom but how joy and laughter can draw in even the most vulnerable students. Tracey outlines the current research on what humor can do in the classroom and shares her own observational research in a case study school on the power of increasing smiles. She shares tips and tricks for both classroom teachers and administrators for how to encourage a culture of joy. Finally, Ana and Classroom Insider Eric Cross reflect on Tracey’s insights, with Eric sharing his top three takeaways and what specifically he incorporated in his classroom after a trip to Disney.

Show notes: 

• Connect with Tracey Severns:
  • Instagram: @tracey.severns
  • Linkedin
• Resources:
  • Read: “Mistakes, Missteps, Missed Opportunities: Lived Lessons from the Real World of Educational Leaders”
• Subscribe to Beyond My Years https://at.amplify.com/bmy
• Follow us on Instagram @amplify.education 
• Connect with Eric Cross: https://www.ericcross.org/ 
• Connect with Ana Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anayansi-ana-torres-m-ed-26a10654/

Quotes: 

“We can do both rigor and relationships. We can address standards and smiles. We can do content and care.” —Tracey Severns, Ed.D.

“ When you have a joyous classroom, you have a learning classroom.” —Tracey Severns, Ed.D.

“There's research out there. I know some of us feel like we intuitively know that [smiling] is important, but the data shows how important that was.” —Ana Torres

“When we view students not as difficult, but as those who challenge us to be our best, we switch from frustration to growth.” —Eric Cross