Balancing Support and Accountability with Jason Shelangouski

In this episode of the Resilient Schools Podcast, recorded live at the Bridging to Resilience conference in Wichita, Kansas, the Jethro interviews Jason Shelangouski, an experienced middle school teacher from Wamego Middle School, Kansas. Jason shares insights into his 16-year teaching career, focusing on teaching 8th-grade language arts, creative writing, and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of co-regulation in helping students navigate the unique challenges of middle school, particularly in terms of emotional and behavioral development. Jason discusses the role of teacher behaviors, such as being a calming presence or providing stern reminders, in effectively supporting student self-regulation. He also highlights the significance of administrative support in fostering a positive environment for both teachers and students. The conversation delves into the power of vulnerability and authenticity in building trust and understanding between teachers and students. Jason and Jethro explore the concept of life as a game and the importance of adapting behaviors for success in different contexts. Jason's approach to teaching underscores the necessity of personalized, empathic engagement with students to prepare them for future challenges while respecting their individual experiences and needs.00:23 The Joy and Challenges of Teaching Middle School01:20 Exploring Co-Regulation in Education03:21 The Importance of Leadership and Support in Schools06:12 Personal Approaches to Teaching and Leadership We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. Learn more about Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.