The Power of One Caring Adult: A Chitty Chat with Jim Sporleder

In this heartfelt Chitty Chat, Stacy sits down with Jim Sporleder, longtime educator, administrator, trauma-responsive pioneer, and one of the familiar faces from Paper Tigers. Together, they reflect on more than four decades of work with students, schools, and communities — and the powerful truth that one caring adult can change the direction of a child’s life.Jim shares how his unexpected start in special education shaped his entire career, why relationships remain at the center of trauma-responsive practice, and how the work continues today through bus drivers, school systems, and the often-overlooked adults who shape a student’s day before they ever enter the classroom.This conversation is a reminder for educators, helpers, and anyone who cares about kids: the wins may not always show up today. Sometimes they arrive years later, in a message, a lunch, a memory, or a story from someone who finally gets to say, “You mattered.” Jim's Bio: 33 years in Public Education. 12 yrs Special Education Teacher 4 yrs Assistant Principal-Garrison Middle School 10 yrs Principal-Garrison Middle School 7 yrs Principal Lincoln Alternative High School Lincoln Alternative High School became one of the first schools in the nation to implement a trauma responsive approach school-wide. Due to the dramatic impact on less student discipline, increased graduation rates, and higher student performance in state testing, Lincoln was recognized by Jane Stevens from Aces Connections in which her article went viral reaching international attention, which then caught the attention of Jamie Redford and KPJR Films. Jamie Redford spent a year filming Lincoln High School where Paper Tigers was released at the Seattle International Film Festival and went on to become nationally and internationally recognized. Since my retirement from Lincoln High School, I have traveled the country helping schools transform into trauma responsive schools. I retired from full time travel in 2023, and have been working with the Modesto City School District, California 3 days a month for the past two years. My life has been enriched by the many colleagues and friendships made on this special journey.