Beyond My Years The science behind a joyful classroom, starring Tracey Severns, Ed.D.
Sep 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Tracey Severns, Ed.D., a former NJDOE Chief Academic Officer and educator, explores the crucial role of joy in classrooms. She reveals how humor can enhance student engagement, particularly for those who are difficult to reach. Tracey shares insights from her research, including the transformative power of acknowledging smiles as a metric for success. Practical joy-boosting strategies, like music and playful assignments, are highlighted, emphasizing that joy and rigorous learning can coexist beautifully.
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Humor Transformed A Challenging Classroom
- Tracey Severns began teaching in a school for students labeled emotionally disturbed and behaviorally involved.
- She found that humor hooked attention, reduced conflicts, and made lessons memorable.
Research Links Humor To Learning Gains
- Research shows humor increases attention, retention, creativity, and reduces stress in K-12 settings.
- Tracey highlights that humor also improves relationships, group cohesion, and school climate.
Counting Smiles Changed A School
- Tracey recounts visiting an elementary school where no one was smiling and then counting smiles as a data point.
- After asking staff to intentionally smile, the school quickly had better attendance, fewer referrals, and improved outcomes.
