EMpowered

• This is How We Change the Education System

  Are you an educator feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you’re surviving from one school holiday to the next? Wondering how to stay in this profession you love without sacrificing your wellbeing? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I share from the heart, recording with my newborn snuggled up on my chest, about why emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation are not “nice-to-haves”… but essential tools for educators and school leaders today. We dive into the real root causes of burnout, why so many teachers feel like they're drowning, and how we can begin shifting school culture from the inside out, without adding more to your already overloaded plate. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or support staff, you’ll walk away with clarity, validation, and real next steps. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why regulation is the missing link in education reform How stress and unresolved trauma show up in the classroom What happens when your nervous system leads the way Why inner work is non-negotiable for teachers and leaders The real impact of emotionally intelligent educators on students How to shift your classroom and your life—starting with you If you're ready to create a ripple effect in your classroom, school and home, this episode is your starting point. ✨ Ready to do the work? Join The EMotionally Intelligent Educator and DM me “READY” on Instagram for $100 off.   Resources + Links Mentioned: DM me “ready” on Instagram for your discount code Learn more about The EMotionally Intelligent Educator Follow on Instagram: @em_gentle Website: www.emmagentle.com.au

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• Behaviour Through the Lens of the Nervous System

  In this episode, I’m breaking down how behaviour is actually a nervous system response, not a discipline issue. You’ll learn how to recognise what’s going on underneath the behaviour so you can respond in a way that actually helps your students come back to a calm, connected, ready to learn state. I’ll also share the three nervous system states (based on polyvagal theory), what they look like in real classrooms, and why learning to regulate your own nervous system is one of the most powerful things you can do as an educator. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why some kids “flip their lid” over tiny things like a pencil What nervous system dysregulation looks like in your classroom How shutdown, fight, flight and freeze actually show up in real students Why regulation always comes before expectations How your energy shapes the safety and behaviour in your room The difference between being calm vs being regulated How to support kids before they lose control If you’re struggling with constant behaviour issues and it feels like nothing is working, this episode will help you shift your lens and show you what to focus on first. Free Training for Teachers Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or just not enjoying teaching the way you used to? Download my free training: Teaching without the Overwhelm It’s short, practical and will help you feel more calm, confident and in control, without needing a perfect classroom. Connect with Em Website: www.emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

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• The EMpowered Podcast Take Over Series: Mindfulness in the Classroom with Olivia at Mindful Hearts Wellbeing

  In this episode, Olivia from Mindful Hearts Wellbeing shares how you can bring mindfulness into your classroom in simple, realistic ways without it feeling like “one more thing” on your to-do list. She’ll walk you through what mindfulness actually is (in teacher language), how it helps both students and teachers, and a four-step method you can use to set the tone for a calm and connected classroom especially in the mornings when things feel rushed or unsettled. You’ll also hear a short guided grounding practice at the end of the episode, so you can experience how calming it feels for yourself. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why mindfulness helps kids with focus, emotions, learning and behaviour How to use movement, breath and sensory activities to settle your class A simple 4-step method to use during morning transition or after lunch Why mindfulness starts with you and how to fit it into your day too Easy ideas for calming activities, grounding strategies and classroom routines Connect with Olivia Instagram: @mindfulheartswellbeing Free Resources for Teachers If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here → Teaching without the Overwhelm Connect with Em Website: www.emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

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• Beyond Behaviours Series Episode 7: Whole Class Strategies for Supporting Neurodivergent Learners

  In this episode, I’m talking about how to support neurodivergent learners in your classroom without having to create a hundred individual plans. Most classrooms aren’t built with neurodivergence in mind. And when kids can’t meet the expectations, we often fall back on the same old behaviour labels of “lazy,” “disruptive,” “off task.” But what if it’s not about the behaviour? What if it’s about the environment? This episode gives you practical, realistic whole class strategies that help students who find things like noise, transitions, verbal instructions or social stuff hard,  especially kids who are autistic, ADHD, or have sensory differences. What you’ll learn in this episode: What’s really going on for students who “can’t sit still,” interrupt, or shut down Simple tweaks that make your classroom feel safer and calmer for every child What to do when kids can’t start tasks or forget instructions How visuals, routines and chunking support working memory Why movement, quiet corners and regulation stations are essential What to reflect on if your classroom feels off, and where to begin It’s about small, smart shifts that help all kids, not just neurodivergent ones to feel more calm, capable and connected. Free Resources for Teachers If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to get back to enjoying teaching, download my free training for Teachers here → Teaching without the Overwhelm Connect with Em Website: www.emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

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• EMpowered Podcast Take Over Series Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration with Amie Fabry

  Today, we’re joined by Dr. Amie Fabry, an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant, and Director of Early Childhood at The Learning Future. Amie’s work focuses on building the confidence, knowledge, and skills of early childhood educators and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures where both educators and children can thrive. She is also the author of Lead with Intention, the first leadership framework designed for early years education. Leadership isn’t about titles or power, it’s about developing potential in others. In this episode, Amie shares how to cultivate a strong team culture, lead with self-awareness, and build trust so that educators feel confident, valued, and supported. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Why leadership isn’t just about titles, it’s about impact. How to develop self-awareness as a leader. The power of knowing your ‘why’ and using it to guide decision-making. How to foster collaboration and build shared values within your team. Practical ways to create psychological safety so educators feel valued and empowered. Why real leadership happens in the small, everyday moments not just in formal roles. Want to go deeper? If today’s conversation resonated with you, Amie offers several ways to support your leadership journey: Lead with Intention Framework – A practical guide breaking down these ideas with actionable steps. 1:1 Coaching – Work with Amie to build clarity and confidence in your leadership. Professional Learning Programs – Join a cohort of like-minded leaders for deeper growth. Find all the details at The Learning Future. Connect with Dr. Amie Fabry: Instagram: @thelearningfuture LinkedIn: Amie Fabry Email: [email protected] Resources for You: Inspired by this episode? If you’re ready to start developing your self awareness and leading with purpose, check out The EMotionally Intelligent Educator Connect with Em: Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

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