Threats of Violence Didn’t Stop This First-Year Conscious Discipline Teacher from Helping Her Kids

Fifth grade teacher Carmen Spencer was introduced to Conscious Discipline and to teaching simultaneously. Initially drawn to education because of her desire to “affect real change every single day,” Carmen wanted to work with children who were either in gangs or on the path to joining a gang.

Her very first day on the job, Carmen received two threats from her students. Through the power of Conscious Discipline and the support of her leadership team, Carmen saw the threats as a cry for help: Her students needed to learn how to trust. She used relatable stories from her own background to build a bridge to connection.
Once this connection was established, Carmen’s students were ready to learn.

Watch as Carmen shares how she utilized the Skill of Positive Intent to see the best in her students and build a safe, connected classroom where they could learn and thrive.