Catalytic Agency Ep. 1 - The Signal of Dissatisfaction

Every student has moments of restlessness in school, but what if that dissatisfaction isn’t a problem to solve — what if it’s the clearest sign of readiness to grow? By reframing dissatisfaction as a signal, educators can uncover hidden pathways of student agency.In episode one of a six-part series, ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores the idea of the “satisfaction gap” — the distance between what students are experiencing and what they believe they need to thrive. Rather than silencing boredom, withdrawal, or frustration, this episode reframes those behaviors as signals of readiness. Educators will come away with a new perspective on dissatisfaction as a catalyst for growth and as the essential starting point for talent development.Learn more about the Catalytic Agency model of talent development.For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.