Building a Culture of Care with Jayde Bennett - Supporting Student Safety in Independent Schools

Building a Culture of Care with Jayde Bennett - Supporting Student Safety in Independent Schools How can independent schools create environments where all students feel safe, supported, and held accountable? In this episode, we explore the powerful CARE model that's transforming student life programs nationwide. Jayde Bennett, School Support Specialist at Learning Courage, shares their journey from independent school student to administrator and now consultant. Drawing from their experience as Director of Residential Life and Associate Dean of Students, Jayde provides practical insights on building consistent, accountable, responsive, and empathetic student support systems. This conversation explores both the challenges and solutions for creating communities where students can thrive. In this episode, you'll learn: How to implement clear, consistent policies that students actually understand and follow Strategies for building authentic relationships that create psychological safety for students Why restorative approaches must begin with relationship-building, not just conflict resolution How to maintain institutional knowledge through leadership transitions Ways to balance accountability with empathy in disciplinary situations Practical approaches for day and boarding schools to educate students on boundaries and safety Featured Guest: Jayde Bennett brings their experience as both a former independent school student and administrator to their work at Learning Courage, where they help schools develop ethics of care that center healing and survivorship while remaining responsive to community needs. Visit the Deans' Roundtable: Website: https://www.deansrountable.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deans-roundtable Email: [email protected] Dean's Roundtable: Where student life professionals connect, learn, share, and grow together.