Building Safe Spaces — Leading with Love with Jessi Bushman

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jessie Bushman, former Director of SEL at North Fayette Valley School District, for a heartfelt conversation about leading with love and transforming student support through social-emotional learning.What began as a need to address student behavior challenges evolved into a groundbreaking SEL program focused on meeting children’s basic needs first, building trust, and creating what Jessie calls a “Circle of Love” around every student.Jessie shares how her background in special education inspired her passion for helping children thrive, and how her district shifted from reactive discipline to proactive emotional support—creating calmer classrooms, stronger family connections, and students who genuinely love coming to school.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why behavior is a form of communicationHow meeting basic needs changes student outcomesThe power of proactive social-emotional learningWhat it means to create a “Circle of Love” around studentsHow educators can support both children and familiesWhy leading with love can transform school cultureJessie’s story is a powerful reminder that when students feel safe, supported, and understood, real learning can begin.