For over 30 years international school leaders, teachers, and counselors have come together for PTC professional learning experiences. Each day of every program begins with a “pearl of wisdom,” a “nugget of knowledge,” or a “gem of inspiration” from one of the participants. We are delighted to offer our readers around the world these powerful stories, insights, and strategies, all dedicated to our shared mission of ever more and better learning for our children.
In this Pearl, Banu reflects on looking beyond challenging student behavior to understand the underlying need. When a student who relied on her office as a safe space became increasingly disruptive after learning she would be away, Banu discovered that his behavior was rooted in anxiety about losing that source of security. Together, they found a way for him to use a shawl from her office as a comforting reminder of her presence while she was gone. The experience reinforced Banu’s belief that “every behavior is actually an expression of an unmet fundamental need” and that leaders have a responsibility to see the need behind the behavior.
Professional positions cited were the ones held at the time of recording. The positions and schools of those quoted may have since changed.
Banu Aldemir is the Assistant/Deputy Principal of Hisar School.
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The articles presented in TIE are a reflection of the variety of perspectives within the international school community and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the organization.
