#165: The "brain builder" mindset shift every teacher needs. Jessica Sinarski on dysregulation, teacher burnout, and the neuroscience behind behaviour

Apr 6, 2026

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Every teacher has been there. The class that makes you want to crawl under your desk. The student who seems hell-bent on dismantling every lesson you've planned. And the horrible, shameful moment when you realise you've snapped, yelled, or just completely lost the plot… and it didn't help at all.

Here's the thing: it's not because you're a bad teacher. It's because you're a human with a brain, and that brain is doing exactly what it's designed to do under stress.

This week, I'm joined by the incredible Jessica Sinarski, award-winning author, innovative educator, and founder of Brave Brains, who has spent more than 20 years translating complex neuroscience into practical, I can actually do this strategies for educators and child welfare organisations around the world. Jess is one of those rare humans who can take the most brain-melting research and make it feel completely accessible. And honestly? This conversation gave me goosebumps more than once.

We get into why chaotic classrooms aren't a discipline problem (and what they actually are), the surprising sensory input that could completely change your most challenging class, and the mindset shift that will help you stop taking student behaviour personally, even when it feels very personal.

This one is a must-listen, friends.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why YOUR brain goes on autopilot when students kick off, and why that's completely normal (not a character flaw)
What's actually going on neurologically in a class that feels constantly dysregulated and chaotic
The "pack leader" concept and why calm authority is your most powerful classroom tool
How to shift your internal narrative from "this kid is out to get me" to something that actually helps you respond well
The anchor phrases that will help you stay regulated when students push every button you have
What proprioception is, why it's the hidden classroom management tool you didn't know you needed, and how to use it today
A super simple movement break that works even with secondary students (yes, really)
Why connection between students, not just between you and your students, changes classroom behaviour
The "brain builder" mindset shift that will transform how you see your most challenging students