Liz Freeman

In this episode, hosts Liz and Jordan talk with therapist and educator Tracie Berry-McGhee about the impact of social media on adolescents, particularly how it influences relationships, cyberbullying, and mental health. Tracie shares her work with the Sista Keeper Empowerment Center, explains her innovative Wellness Mobile, and introduces her self-esteem-building LOVE Principles. She emphasizes the need for educators, families, and communities to create safe, empowering environments for young people navigating digital life.🔑 Key Takeaways:✔️ Social media is a double-edged sword: it connects but also fuels anxiety, comparison, and relational aggression.✔️ Cyberbullying doesn't stop at the school doors—it follows students 24/7 and deeply impacts school culture.✔️ Students are seeking connection, but many feel isolated even while surrounded by followers.✔️ Middle schoolers are particularly vulnerable to social media's harms due to identity formation and impulsivity.✔️ Educators can make a huge impact by creating safe spaces, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and encouraging emotional literacy.💬 Memorable Quotes:🗣️ “Followers, but no friends—that’s how many of our students feel.”🗣️ “Your algorithm will find you if you’re being true to yourself.”🗣️ “We compare ourselves to a highlight reel that isn’t even real.”🗣️ “You must be a keeper to yourself first before you can be a Sista Keeper.”🗣️ “Social media isn’t going anywhere. We have to teach kids how to use it as a tool—not be used by it.”🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn:The LOVE Principles: A practical framework for students, educators, and parents:L – Listen: Encourage mindfulness, quiet time, and tuning into inner thoughts and feelings.O – Observe: Look beyond words—watch non-verbal behavior and shifting moods.V – Validate: Use affirmations and let students know they are seen, heard, and valued.E – Empower: Promote self-worth by encouraging originality, not comparison.👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices:Use restorative justice circles and safe group spaces for expression.Practice meditation, journaling, and affirmations in school settings.Monitor emotional shifts via body language and classroom behavior.Encourage positive use of social media (affirmation posts, reflection prompts, etc.).Promote digital literacy: understanding the emotional effects of algorithms and social comparison.📚 Resources & Links:🔗 Tracie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theempowernista/🔗 I Define Me website: https://www.idefinememovement.com/who-we-are🔗 Meet JOY: https://www.idefinememovement.com/copy-of-idm-media🔗 Book The IDM Wellness Mobile: https://www.idefinememovement.com/book-the-wellness-mobile❤️ Love This Episode?✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & review to help more teachers find this show💬 Join the conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, hosts Jordan and Liz sit down with Jessica Sinarski, an expert in education and counseling, to discuss how movement in the classroom can minimize disruptive behavior and enhance learning. Jessica introduces the concept of proprioception—a hidden sense that affects body awareness and regulation—and explains how teachers can incorporate movement strategies to support students, particularly those with sensory processing challenges or trauma histories.Jessica shares practical ways educators can use movement to create a more focused and engaged classroom environment. From jumping challenges to the "Bubblegum Club," she provides simple yet effective strategies that can help students self-regulate and optimize their learning experience.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How movement impacts classroom behavior and student learning.The importance of proprioception and why it's a game changer in education.Common signs that students may need more proprioceptive input.Practical movement strategies teachers can easily integrate into their classrooms.The role of proprioception in self-regulation and emotional well-being.Key Quotes:“Great teachers can create a space for students to regulate themselves and engage in learning.”“It’s not us against our students. We are on the same team, working to light up the learning brain.”“When kids’ needs are met, they are more able to learn. And when teachers’ needs are met, they are more able to teach.”Resources & Links:Download Jessica’s Free Guide to Proprioception: www.BraveBrains.com/PROPELearn more about Brave Brains, Jessica’s organization: www.jessicasinarski.com/bravebrainsCheck out Jessica’s book Light Up the Learning Brain: www.jessicasinarski.com/lightRegister for the Innovative Schools Summit in Orlando (March 20-23, 2025): www.innovativeschoolssummit.com/OrlandoStay Connected:Follow Innovative Schools on www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/