#51: How to become a 'Disruptive Educator', and make the move from high-control to compassion-driven classrooms with Bobby Morgan of The Liberation Lab

The Unteachables Podcast

On today's podcast episode I interview probably THE most quotable guest I have had on the show.
Bobby Morgan, the founder of The Liberation Lab, is a spearhead for disruptive education practices that break away from the confining norms of high-control teaching. We unravel the threads of deficit ideologies and reimagine a classroom where culturally responsive teaching and social justice aren't just concepts but are interwoven into the fabric of learning.
Right at the very heart of our discussion, we cast a spotlight on the harsh truths behind punitive discipline in schools, advocating for a seismic shift towards nurturing relationships within classroom management. We dissect the unrealistic standards we set for our students, standards that we, as adults, often fail to meet ourselves. Our exchange serves as a mirror, reflecting the essential need for educators to embody the principles they champion, fostering an environment ripe for understanding, compassion, and true behavioural change.
This episode is overflowing with value, as we touch on:

• What is a disruptive educator (and how can we be one)?
• A little about our own roots in education and some mistakes we have made along the way
• Teacher helplessness
• The 4 types of educators you will come across at every school, and finally (but most importantly:
• A really practical and immediate way you can bring more restorative practice into your classroom to have a positive impact on behaviour.

This is an episode that truly calls for teachers to be the catalysts of growth, nurturing every child's potential through self-awareness and continuous development. I can't wait for you to listen.
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Chapters

1. Disruptive Educators and Punitive Discipline (00:00:00)

2. Challenging Punitive Discipline in Schools (00:13:37)

3. Teacher Helplessness and Ownership in Education (00:21:17)

4. Creating Conditions for Student Growth (00:27:14)

5. Shifting to Supportive and Accountable Communication (00:42:19)

6. Modeling Repairing Harm in Education (00:46:44)