In the ongoing dialogue about Generation Z, a crucial voice often goes unheard – that of educators who work with these young people daily. Ashley Jaron, a high school teacher, offers a compelling perspective: "We blame the kids... But at the same time, we as adults are failing them in a lot of areas and then blaming them for our failures when we see the results." This insight challenges us to reconsider our approach to today's youth. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is navigating a world vastly different from the one we experienced in our adolescence. As Ms. Jaron points out, "We were given a safer country to live in... We didn't have cell phones the way they have cell phones." The statistics underscore the unique challenges facing this generation. A 2019 Pew Research Center study found that 70% of teens see anxiety and depression as major problems among their peers. This mental health crisis is exacerbated by constant connectivity and social media pressures. Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychologist studying generational differences, notes, "The biggest difference between Gen Z and other generations is in their mental health. They're much more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety". This observation aligns with Jaron's concern about the impact of our judgments on Gen Z's mental well-being. Despite these challenges, Gen Z demonstrates remarkable resilience and potential. A 2021 report by McKinsey & Company highlights that this generation is more ethnically diverse, better educated, and more tech-savvy than any before it. They're leading movements for social justice and creating innovative solutions to global problems. However, as Ms. Jaron reminds us, "Their brains are not fully developed. They're teenagers." This biological fact is often overlooked in our rush to judgment. Dr. Frances Jensen, author of "The Teenage Brain," explains, "The teenage brain is only about 80 percent of the way to maturity. Their frontal lobes are not yet fully connected". Ms. Jaron's call to action is clear: "I wish everyone would see that someone raised them and it was us. And this is the result and we owe it to them to fix it." This statement underscores our responsibility to provide support and understanding, rather than criticism. To truly support Gen Z, we need to: 1. Invest in mental health resources in schools and communities. 2. Adapt educational curricula to include digital literacy and emotional intelligence. 3. Create open dialogues to understand and address their unique challenges. 4. Recognize and nurture their potential instead of focusing on perceived shortcomings. As we move forward, it's crucial to heed the words of both educators like Ms. Jaron and researchers studying this generation. By shifting our perspective and taking concrete action, we can help Gen Z navigate their complex world more effectively. After all, as Ms. Jaron poignantly states, "We're never going to see their full potential because they're not going to believe they have it." It's time we change that narrative.

Kids don’t often go out of their way to express deep feelings, so when they do, we must seize the opportunity for connection and community building! One day, Teresa Campbell, a middle school teacher at North Parkway Middle School in Jackson, TN, noticed her students were unusually emotional and distracted. Rather than pushing forward with her lesson plan, she made a pivotal decision: to stop teaching and start listening. This choice underscores a fundamental yet often overlooked principle in education: the power of listening. By simply listening, Teresa transformed not just the culture of the classroom but also created space for learning to truly bloom. Modern neuroscience reveals why making room for connection and creating space for vulnerability and expression is so powerful. When teachers truly listen, they engage more than just the auditory parts of the brain; they activate neural pathways linked to empathy and emotional processing. According to research from the University of California, Berkeley, creating an environment where students feel safe to express their emotions can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels. This reduction in stress allows students to be more open to learning, fostering a deeper connection to the material and to each other. The benefits of fostering connection in the classroom are backed by solid research. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that classrooms where teachers prioritize listening and connection see better student engagement, improved behavior, and higher academic achievement. By paying attention to their students’ emotional needs, teachers gain valuable insights into the challenges they face, allowing them to tailor their teaching more effectively. Listening is also crucial for building an inclusive classroom environment. This is especially vital in diverse settings where students might feel marginalized. When educators make space for students to share their experiences and emotions, it bridges cultural and social gaps, fostering a more supportive and harmonious learning atmosphere. This approach helps students feel respected and understood, enhancing their willingness to participate and engage. To effectively integrate listening into the classroom, teacher training programs need to emphasize interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. All It Takes Professional development workshops can equip educators with strategies for creating these connections, such as open-ended questioning and reflective feedback. Additionally, educational policies should support smaller teacher-to-student ratios and encourage the use of teaching aids that allow teachers to focus more on individual students. This ensures that teachers can respond to students' needs in real-time, rather than being confined to rigid lesson plans. Ms. Campbell’s experience with her classroom, in only her first year as a teacher, is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of noticing and responding to what students need in the moment. By making connection and listening a priority, educators can enhance learning outcomes, support students' emotional well-being, and create a nurturing educational environment. Moving forward, let’s champion the cause of paying attention to our students, ensuring that every student not only learns but feels genuinely heard. Life is messy, and sometimes the best teaching happens when we pause to truly listen and engage in real discussions.

Andrew Walanski believes that choosing love over fear can change education and society beyond it. Inspired by Gregory Boyle's approach to humanizing gang members in their recovery, his message suggests a shift towards kindness and empathy in schools and discipline. It doesn't mean there aren't consequences, but the form they take must shift for the education system to make meaningful headway in addressing these issues. Here's a straightforward look at why love matters in learning.

Andrew Walanski, a middle school principal in Southern California, shares an impactful moment in his job that represents a much larger issue in education. A growing divide in opinions on punitive measures has many teachers and staff standing apart from administrators. Andrew acknowledges the divide and stands firm in his belief that student behaviors must be treated as a statement of need and that schools need to be dedicated to students, even on their worst days.

Marcy Melvin, Speaker, Counselor, and Board Member at All It Takes, addresses the pervasive issue of burnout that permeates the lives of too many. Whether it's educators, students, or parents, the feelings of exhaustion and emotional numbness in the wake of the pandemic are palpable. Marcy emphasizes that isolation can magnify feelings of desolation, so it's important to seek your trusted space, engage, and counteract the emotional weariness. Visit AllIttakes.org to access resources and learn more about building trusted spaces.

Bullying has taken a dark turn, especially in middle schools. Kathryn Dusek, a middle school teacher in Southern California, talks about the role social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube play in shaping the behaviors and attitudes of young students. It's time to address the issue and find solutions for a safer, more trusted learning environment for our students.

Alma Lopez, named American School Counselor of the Year, shares the power of building relationships in the education ecosystem. It's not always easy, and it's always important. A Trusted Space: Meeting The Moment is coming this school year. Visit AllIttakes.org to learn more and find free resources for Building Trusted Spaces.

Nicky Wilks, Educator and Co-Founder of Journeymen & One Village, shares his observations on the disconnect between the classroom and the real-world interests of today's students. Why aren't traditional teaching methods engaging students the same way social media and video games do? Join the discussion about how educators can adapt to better meet students where they are.

Hear about astounding research with Valerie Shapiro, Associate Professor at UC Berkeley, as she presents findings on the critical role of relational engagement in education. This talk dives into the science behind social-emotional learning (SEL) and its effect on students when implemented by relationally committed educators 40 YEARS ON! Gain insights into the evidence-based benefits of a robust SEL curriculum.