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Bullying sucks. We see it in classrooms every single day. And if you’re like me—or like most of the teachers I work with—you’ve probably heard advice like: Catch the bully being good Exclude the bully so they learn their lesson Or my personal favorite gaslighting phrase of the moment: “Have you tried building a relationship with them?” Here’s where these recommendations fall flat: They aren’t based in how the brain actually works They won’t actually change the bully’s behavior What they do  do is make you, the educator, feel like you’re doing something… And they create a paper trail so schools can eventually say, “This child is someone else’s problem.” But I digress. So what can  we do? How do we support our bullies—because yes, just like all students with unmet needs, bullies also have unmet needs. And unfortunately, what our false remedies often do is exacerbate  those needs… Leading to more behaviors, more isolation, and more bullying. Because you might not like the sound of it, but it’s true: We HAVE to protect our bullies. If we don’t, here’s what we run the risk of: More bullying, because they feel further triggered or disconnected A student who ages through a system that tells them: “School—and this community—aren’t for you.” Or students who become very preventable data points in the school-to-prison pipeline The effects are real. And this isn’t to minimize the impact on the bullied child either… that’s a topic for another time. So. What can we do instead? First: regulate yourself. Before we do anything productive, we need to make sure we  are regulated enough to respond. Why? Because bullying is HELLA dysregulating . And when we’re dysregulated, sound judgment gets replaced with reaction. That’s why you find yourself “praising around” the bully after they say something cruel… Even though you KNOW it’s not helpful. This resource can help you rewire your brain out of that cycle . Next: ask what need is being communicated. What unmet need (or needs) is the bully expressing through their behavior? That’s where the Behavior As Communication Workshop  inside The Village  comes in. That link will give you a free week inside The Village to binge that training and so much more. Third: respond with as much tact to the bully as to the bullied. When bullying happens in the classroom, we need to be intentional—not just reactive. Example: A student insults another student’s socioeconomic status in front of the whole class. Instead of: ❌ ignoring it ❌ rushing in to defend ❌ saying “That’s not nice” Try something like: ✅ “Huh. I wasn’t expecting that from you. It caught me off guard. I’m going to take a second to regulate before I address it.” (Then actually do it, bestie.) ✅ Model a breath. Invite the class to join. ✅ Then say: “Ashlyn, I know you’re someone who cares deeply about people. I’m going to want to understand what was going on for you when you said that. We’ll talk after ___.” Key step:  stay unbothered.Because you know this isn’t “Ashlyn.”It’s her stress response. ✅ Then to the recipient: “Whew. Shake that off.” Of course, you check in privately with both students later. But handling it this way protects the bully and  the bullied because: You protected the bully’s dignity You centered their best self in the moment You increased the likelihood they’ll trust you in the 1:1 repair conversation Because you know how we really protect the bullied child? By teaching the bully how to express needs in a prosocial way. So protecting the bully also protects the bullied. It’s all connected. I know this is a meaty concept, so feel free to email me with questions at ahart@rewirededucation.com . I’m cheering you on as you cheer on all  your students… Even the prickly ones. With love, Ashlyn

We all remember that feeling of walking into our first classroom - such joy that quickly turned to overwhelm. Managing a classroom is A LOT. So when you find some systems that don't work for you, you need to throw them out the window and share the wealth of knowledge ASAP. So here are 3 organizational mistakes I've made and learned from in my classroom and swear to never repeat! NUMBER 1: NOTHING Yes, you read that correctly. Going in with no plan on how to keep my students organized is definitely a non-repeater. Even adults struggle with organization, never mind middle schoolers! We need to support them while we learn how to be more organized ourself. This means creating systems for filling out agendas (and making sure kids actually do it), collecting work, passing work back, grading homework, filing grades, and so on and so forth. NUMBER 2: GETTING FRUSTRATED Listen, if middle schoolers can predictably be one thing, it would be frustrating, but what we can't do is get frustrated at them for not following what we don't enforce. Here's what I mean by that - If I expect my middles to keep an orderly agenda then don't look at it until January, I am not actually showing them that is what I expect. Instead, I need to reinforce the skills I want to see. I do this by creating space for students to meet my expectations, following up on said expectations, praising them when they meet them, or putting supports in place to help kids meet them. NUMBER 3: CREATING UNMANAGEABLE SYSTEMS Do you know those organization shows on TV with all the beautiful labels and containers? Yeah, that could NEVER be me. I think it's great, but I know myself enough to know that at the end of a long day, I'm going to put the spices above the oven, not in a little box labeled spices 10 feet away from me. The same rule applies to organization systems you use in school. Create a few quick and easy organization systems that you can commit to with your limitations in mind. When you keep these things in mind, you can create an organizational system that works for you. What about you? What are some organizational mistakes that you will never make again?

Welcome Ready to meet your needs and your students' needs ... for REAL? Fundamentals The Conscious Connection Group utilizes principles of intrinsic motivation, self-determination theory, conscious classroom management, and whole brain learning to transform the way education is done. Unlike traditional tactics where power and compliance are the two leading ingredients in the classroom, at The CCG, we teach educators how to LEAD their students and their classroom toward a positive, affirming, and supportive place where learning can thrive. That's why school and educators who work with The CCG report: improved teacher morale better classroom climates better behavior increased student achievement Simultaneously, The Conscious Connection Group offers teachers a supportive community—an essential village of guidance, resources, and encouragement—ensuring that each educator, whether they join us via their school or on their own, has the confidence and capacity to perform their vital role with the support they need to thrive. "I'm eternally grateful for having the opportunity to work with The CCG. I can't express how much it has meant to me, and how much it helped me heal from the institutional trauma I had dealt with and to move forward with renewed confidence and real solutions. Thank you for standing with me and supporting me! When I told a close friend of mine who is a retired educator and amazing human being, about the work we did together, she said, 'What a fantastic retirement gift to yourself!' And, 'Why can't every teacher have this level of support??' Why indeed??" Art Teacher, Elementary "Explore" "Explore" "Explore" "Explore" We are committed to supporting educators with high-quality materials that drive success. Explore our collection of complimentary resources, designed to enhance instructional effectiveness. Discover a comprehensive selection of tools, templates, and guides designed to support educational excellence. Visit our resource hub to access materials that enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Take a brief survey to discover which of our educational programs best aligns with your goals and needs. Your personalized recommendation is just a few questions away. Complimentary Resources Find Your Fit

Transform Teaching Transform Teaching Transform Teaching Transform Teaching Are you at the point where you think about your classroom management and the thought that comes to mind is ... "Let's not do THAT again!" Classroom management is so much more than "just build a relationship" and "use an incentive" . It requires essential ingredients which The CCG can help you acquire. Ingredients like ... regulation understanding the brain and emotions understanding needs having an asset-based lens truly understanding the people we serve having clear conflict-resolution skills Our Tiers 1 Tier One Access to the four modules of the asynchronous course, Let’s Not Do That Again Weekly live Q&A sessions with Ashlyn Weekly live Q&A sessions with Ashlyn Certificate + 16 PD hours Program access to The Village management hub JOIN TIER 1 2 Tier Two (Summer Only) Weekly small-group sessions with Ashlyn Four extra cohort coaching calls Full access to the 4-module Let’s Not Do That Again course Weekly live Q&As tied to each module Certificate + 16 PD hours Access to The Village management hub during the program JOIN TIER 2 Our next session starts on May 31st, 2026! Doors are open now! Enter: Let's Not Do That Again a month-long course that'll take your classroom management from "Let's not talk about it ," to " I know exactly what to do !" This is your year to cultivate joy, peace, and meaningful academic growth in your learning environment Inside Let’s Not Do That Again, you’ll learn how to: Establish clear boundaries, expectations, and conflict-resolution frameworks that transform stressful days into smooth, intentional experiences. Respond to student needs with practical systems that support individuals—without sacrificing the rest of the class. Implement a student-centered management approach that empowers learners to lead class routines independently. Hear students tell their caregivers, “I love [insert your subject here]!”—and mean it. Approach each Sunday evening with calm and confidence, knowing you’re prepared for the week ahead. Use a restorative, research-based framework to address behavior in a way that fosters real change—no bribes, no fear tactics, just growth. Inside LNDTA You'll Get... Module 1 How the brain processes emotions Introduction to boundaries, expectations, and consequences Introduction to routines and procedures The problem with rewards and punishments What we can do instead The Rebuild Module 3 Understanding the needs that behavior is communicating Understanding the conscious cycle and how it plays out in the classroom Filling your toolbox with strategies you can use to meet needs Unpacking common scenarios Navigating Behavior When it Happens Module 2 Understanding regulation Classroom leadership Understanding the people we serve Creating a supportive space Prevention Module 4 Avoiding the fizzle out Strong basics revisited (Module 1 flashback) Work smarter, not harder Motivation to keep going Maintenance CCG Educator Highly recommend! CCG Educator "You will not regret making this investment" CCG Educator "Do it. It's a paradigm shift" "Let's Not do That Again" is designed for educators and caregivers alike. There is no required grade band nor do you have to have your own classroom or learning space. All who want to learn are welcome and will find support. Are ready to say... "Enough is enough, I've tried the things" "I need to learn what will help my students behave Are you ready to hear: What the research says about classroom management How to stop using cute templates they find on Pinterest to make their classroom function Do you believe: That ALL children deserve the best education, regardless of the behaviors they display. Do you love teaching but know: There are better ways to run a classroom They don't have to end the day feeling drained and emotionally exhausted Are ready to stop: Fighting the same battles of disruption: defiance non-stop talking Are you willing to: Look in the mirror and recognize the way they lead their classroom Step into that power Make the necessary changes Our Tiers 1 Tier One Access to the four modules of the asynchronous course, Let’s Not Do That Again Weekly live Q&A sessions with Ashlyn Weekly live Q&A sessions with Ashlyn Certificate + 16 PD hours Program access to The Village management hub Join 2 Tier Two (Summer Only) Weekly small-group sessions with Ashlyn Four extra cohort coaching calls Full access to the 4-module Let’s Not Do That Again course Weekly live Q&As tied to each module Certificate + 16 PD hours Access to The Village management hub during the program Join the summer waitlist Our next session starts on May 31st! Explore Explore Explore Explore We are committed to supporting educators with high-quality materials that drive success. Explore our collection of complimentary resources, designed to enhance instructional effectiveness. Discover a comprehensive selection of tools, templates, and guides designed to support educational excellence. Visit our resource hub to access materials that enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Take a brief survey to discover which of our educational programs best aligns with your goals and needs. Your personalized recommendation is just a few questions away. Complimentary Resources Find Your Fit

The Finish Free Program If navigating the end of the school year feels kind of like being thrown in the middle of a turbulent sea, you need Finish Free! Finish Free is your blueprint for turning end-of-year chaos into calm — no bribery, no punishments, no Broadway performance required. THAT'S WHAT I NEED! What people are saying about Finish Free 14 13 19 14 1/7 Walk away with ... Identify why behaviors are ramping up in your class (and figure out how to stop it from getting worse!) Strategies to protect your peace, even on the craziest of days A guide to help your hardest students make it through these final weeks An retweak of our foundations (that may be getting a little loose this time of year) Words to say and structures to build to keep your head above water when everyone else around you is drowning Ways to engage the students who would rather be anywhere else THAT'S WHAT I NEED! When you join Finish Free, you get access to: The Finish Free Course Six self-guided modules packed with practical tools and mindset shifts to give you quick wins and help you end the school year with peace and purpose Weekly check-ins, challenges, and bonus trainings To keep you engaged and supported throughout the experience Four live Q&A calls Where you can ask questions, get real-time support, and stay motivated Join Us Tier 1 Full access to all self-paced modules of the Finish Free program Access to live Q&A calls with your cohort and Ashlyn Ongoing weekly check-ins and motivational support Certificate of completion with 12 professional development hours One month of access to The Village: a binge-worthy teacher training community that will equip you with the research and skills to handle even the hardest behavior days in your classroom with ease. The course starts on April 12th, but you can immediately get into your account inside The Village and start learning while you wait! GET IN NOW! Tier 2 Full access to all self-paced modules of the Finish Free program Access to live Q&A calls with your cohort and Ashlyn Ongoing weekly check-ins and motivational support Certificate of completion with 12 professional development hours 3 months of access to The Village: a binge-worthy teacher training community that will equip you with the research and skills to handle even the hardest behavior days in your classroom with ease. Access to Let's Not Do That Again and access to our live calls this summer The summer session of Let's Not Do That Again will be running in June of 2026. Specific dates TBD. GET IN NOW! FAQ My class has been a disaster all year. Can you actually help me? Yes! It’s never too late to make meaningful changes. Finish Free meets you exactly where you are and helps you reset, reconnect, and move forward with more peace and confidence. What if I’m not about to start summer break? Can Finish Free still help me? Absolutely. The strategies in Finish Free work at any time of the school year—beginning, middle, or end. You’ll gain tools you can apply right away. What grade levels is this for? Finish Free is designed for educators of all grade levels and specialties—from Pre-K to high school, and across all subject areas. Is this helpful for administrators? Yes! The practices shared are equally valuable for school leaders who want to support staff and cultivate a peaceful school culture. Do I receive a professional development certificate? Yes. You'll receive a certificate for 12 professional development hours after completing the program. What if I fall behind? No worries at all. You’ll have access to Finish Free materials from March 18th through the end of May, giving you plenty of time to binge the content and start seeing the changes occur in your classroom. Are the live calls recorded? Yes! Every live call is recorded and made available to watch at your convenience. When does this session start? The course opens on March 18th and the live portion of the course starts on April 12th. THAT'S WHAT I NEED!