Why Engagement Might Be Your Missing Piece for Better Classroom Behavior
By Kristin Brynteson, Ed.D.
Let’s be honest—few things drain a teacher’s energy faster than constant behavior challenges. You plan an amazing lesson, only to spend half your time redirecting, reminding, or resetting. What if the secret to smoother classroom management isn’t more rules or consequences, but something far more powerful: engagement?
In the latest “Conversation from the STEAM Studio,” we sat down with two educators who’ve spent years cracking this code. Jess Winn (a teacher-turned-instructional coach with a knack for student-centered learning) and Kari Harris (a literacy and MTSS expert who’s all about proactive strategies) shared game-changing insights on how engagement shapes behavior—and vice versa.
Here’s the truth they dropped: Students don’t act out when they’re invested. Sounds simple, right? But the magic lies in how we get them there. Jess and Kari dug into:
- Why “controlled choice” (yes, that’s now my new favorite term!) can be a game-changer, even in structured curricula.
- How a quick “interest inventory” can reveal what students actually care about—and transform reluctant participants into active learners.
- The surprising role teacher confidence plays in classroom dynamics (hint: it’s not about having all the answers).
One of my favorite moments? When Kari pointed out that “equal doesn’t mean the same”—a reminder that flexibility (like letting one student stand while others sit) isn’t unfair; it’s necessary. And Jess’s take on mistakes? “Admit them. Model them. Fix them.” (Because guess what? Students respect authenticity more than perfection.)
Whether you’re a teacher drowning in behavior plans, an admin supporting struggling staff, or just someone who loves rethinking education, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. No jargon, no fluff—just real talk from educators who’ve been in the trenches.
Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts—you’ll walk away rethinking what’s possible in your classroom, your living room, or wherever learning happens.
And don’t forget, If you love this conversation, join Jess, Kari, and our team at the Engaged Learning Conference this June for even more actionable ideas!
