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The Air We Breathe: Why Psychological Safety Is the Foundation for Success in Schools
By: Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez Imagine a school where teachers arrive early, work tirelessly, and care deeply about their students. The energy feels warm, even friendly. But underneath, something is missing. The culture is congenial, not collegial. People prioritize being nice over being honest. When feedback happens, it’s often softened to maintain one another’s comfort. A […]
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National Nutrition Month: How Food Can Nourish Belonging in Our Schools
By Esther Deth, Ed.D School Wellness & College Preparation Coordinator, Long Beach Unified School District When I think about some of my fondest memories with family and friends, many of them are centered around food. From joyful gatherings like a holiday potluck to quieter, meaningful moments — such as sharing a final meal with my […]
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Designing for Belonging: Practical Leadership Strategies That Strengthen Learning
By: Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., Nicholas Yoder, Ph.D., Sarah Caverly, Ph.D., Miriam Blanc-Gonnet The desire to belong is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Genuine belonging extends beyond simply fitting in, as it reflects being seen, accepted, and valued for who we truly are. Psychologist Geoffrey Cohen defines belonging as “the feeling that we’re part […]
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Sharing the Love: How Students and Educators Build Community With Harmony!
It’s that time of year to celebrate love in all its forms — love for ourselves, care for one another, and connection within our communities. We asked our Educator Advisory Group to share how they use Harmony activities to help students thoughtfully exercise their voice and choice, build harmonious peer relationships, and nurture a strong […]
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Classroom Joy By Design
By Pamela McVeagh-Lally, MSEd Education Non-Profit Consultant “One must nurture the joy in one’s life so that it reaches full bloom.” – Maya Angelou Many of us approach a new year by “resetting” goals and expectations in our classrooms and homes, using the calendar to instigate a fresh start or commit to resolutions. But what […]
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Staying Grounded in Gratitude This Holiday Season
by Jennifer S. Miller, M.Ed. The fall leading into the holiday season is such a ripe time for gratitude. We are already engaged in celebrating the harvest at Thanksgiving and offering thanks with friends and family. But our lives are full and often rushed and gratitude can become something we may remember to do only […]
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Teacher Appreciation Month: Harmony Educator Advisory Group Share Their Stories!
It’s Teacher Appreciation Month and we’re sharing deep gratitude for the educators in our lives! Behind every successful student is a teacher who made a lasting impact. Our Harmony Educator Advisory Group (EAG) members are coming together to celebrate the educators who sparked their curiosity, encouraged their growth, and shaped their own learning journeys. The […]
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Harmony EAG’s Top Tips for Managing Student Stress During Testing Season!
National Stress Awareness Month reminds us that healthy learning starts with a healthy mind. As we approach testing season, it’s important to reflect on the toll that stress can have on our students’ ability to learn and test well. The pressure to perform well can intensify, which often leads to feelings of anxiety and stress. […]
