The pandemic of poverty is ever-present but often unseen in our schools. Teacher expectations coupled with a warm learning environment, and a focus on adolescent mental health and trauma can set the stage for student performance. The post-Covid world and needs of student learning can personally impact teachers and the ways in which they might set high expectations for student grades and social-emotional well-being. Dr. Joel Beidleman serves as principal of William H. Farquhar
Middle School in Olney, MD. His varied experiences over the
past 20 years as a leader and educator provide value to the
diverse community he serves. He is professionally and
personally focused on ensuring that his school has a clear
understanding and vision to provide a warm learning
environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds.
He works diligently to create high functioning teams, systems
for observing and analyzing teaching, and has stressed the
importance of continuous innovation in the area of adolescent
mental health and trauma. His doctoral research focused on
Psychologically Safe School Environments and was published
in 2021. This work analyzed 230 Maryland Middle Schools to
determine if there is an association between psychological
safe school environments and student literacy achievement. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx