I’m joined by AJ Crabill to talk about the evolution of education and how we can better empower students and schools to unlock their full potential. We dive into why curiosity should come before judgment when it comes to understanding student behavior and why teaching behavioral skills is just as important as academic ones. AJ shares some powerful insights from his own experiences and stresses the importance of giving students the right tools to succeed, all while tackling the systemic issues that too often affect marginalized students.

We explore themes like communication, trust, and engagement in education, talking about how active listening and understanding student apathy are key to building connections. AJ also highlights the importance of student-led initiatives in developing leadership and pushing for more options in students' lives. By the end of our conversation, we call for a shift in mindset within the education system, one that’s focused on empowering both students and educators with the right tools and resources.

Key Takeaways:

Students often lack the tools they need to succeed, leading to behavioral issues.

Behavior should be treated similarly to academic skills, with a focus on teaching and support.

Restorative practices can be more effective than punitive measures in education.

Education systems must recognize and address the disparities faced by marginalized students.

Apathy in students often stems from a lack of trust.

Connection and belonging are crucial for student engagement.

Resources Mentioned:

Building Effective School Boards with AJ Crabill

Connect with AJ:

Website: www.StudentLedRP.org

LinkedIn: @ajcrabill

YouTube: @ajcrabill7

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.