In this episode of the ASSETS podcast, Dr. Jobi Lawrence and Debbie Zacarian, Ed.D., discuss strengths-based approaches for supporting students living with adversity and creating learning environments where students can recognize and draw from their existing strengths. This episode is part of a federally funded National Professional Development series.
Their conversation explores how educators can move beyond focusing solely on adversity to foster student agency, self-confidence, collaboration, and meaningful participation in learning. They also consider the conditions that help students feel valued, capable, connected, and empowered as members of their learning communities.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen to the conversation with Jobi Lawrence and Debbie Zacarian.
Explore Teaching to Strengths
These ideas are explored more fully in Teaching to Strengths: Supporting Students Living with Trauma, Violence, and Chronic Stress, coauthored by Debbie Zacarian, Lourdes Alvarez-Ortiz, and Judie Haynes. The book presents a strengths-based approach to teaching that builds on students’ assets and resiliency and includes practical approaches for classroom learning environments, student relationships, and family and community partnerships.
Learn more about Teaching to Strengths.
Related Article
For practical examples of what a strengths-based approach can look like in the classroom, explore this related article adapted from Teaching to Strengths.
Supporting Multilingual Learners Facing Adversity
