Every Voice Matters: Honest Conversations About Education

Last updated: March 30, 2026

You’ve watched your bright, creative child come home from school with that look—the one where the spark that used to light up their eyes has dimmed just a little more. You’ve sat beside them at homework time, feeling your stomach clench as simple words become impossible mountains to climb, knowing they’re working ten times harder than their classmates just to keep up. That mixture of heartbreak and helplessness you feel isn’t weakness or overreaction—it’s your instincts telling you that something needs to change. And if you’ve spent late nights searching for answers while everyone else sleeps, wondering if you’re the only parent carrying this weight, I want you to know: you’re not alone, you’re not imagining it, and your fierce love for your child is exactly what they need most right now.

TL;DR

Michelle, a 17-year veteran teacher, shares her experiences and insights on teaching seventh and eighth grade English language arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
She discusses the grade breakdown in her school district, which includes kindergarten through fifth grade in elementary school, sixth through eighth grade in middle school, and ninth through twelfth grade in high school.
Michelle shares her passion for teaching and how she was drawn to the profession, citing her experience growing up in a daycare home and her love of reading and writing.

Understanding the Reality of Teaching Today

As we delve into the world of education, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that teachers face in today’s classrooms. Michelle, a seventh and eighth-grade English language arts teacher from Minneapolis, Minnesota, shares her experiences and insights on what it’s like to be a teacher in the current educational landscape. With 17 years of teaching experience, Michelle offers a unique perspective on the realities of teaching, from managing classrooms to supporting students with diverse needs.

Join the conversation with Michelle, a dedicated teacher with 17 years of experience, as she shares her insights on teaching and learning in the Every Voice Matters podcast. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

The Importance of Teacher Support and Resources

Michelle’s decision to become a part-time teacher was largely driven by her desire to balance her work and family life. As a mother of two, she wanted to ensure that she could devote enough time to her children’s needs, particularly her youngest child, who has special needs. This highlights the importance of providing teachers with the necessary support and resources to manage their workload and personal responsibilities effectively. By offering flexible scheduling options and access to resources, schools can help teachers like Michelle thrive in their roles and provide the best possible education for their students.

For more information on how to support teachers and students, visit the Learning Success website, which offers a range of resources and programs designed to promote educational success.

Laura Lurns Learning Success Expert

As we delve into the complexities of teaching and learning, it's essential to recognize the profound impact of language and expectations on a child's educational journey. Michelle's experience as a teacher and a parent highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and development. By reframing our language and expectations, we can empower children to take ownership of their learning and build resilience in the face of challenges.

For instance, instead of saying "my child has dyslexia," we can say "my child is developing reading skills through specialized instruction." This subtle shift in language can significantly impact a child's self-perception and motivation. By focusing on the development of skills rather than labeling conditions, we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Moreover, research has shown that children who are praised for their effort rather than their intelligence tend to perform better over time. This is because effort-based praise encourages children to view challenges as opportunities for growth and development, rather than threats to their ego. By adopting this mindset, we can help children develop a growth mindset and build resilience in the face of obstacles.

As Michelle so eloquently put it, "I think having them separated is really great just because having a sixth grader and a 12th grader on the same bus, you know, in the same system, I think is that's a big gap in age and they're in very different places." This sentiment highlights the importance of creating a learning environment that is tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each child.

At Learning Success, we believe that every child deserves a personalized approach to learning that takes into account their individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. By leveraging the power of AI and neuroscience, we can create customized learning plans that help children build a strong foundation in reading, math, and other essential skills.

So, let's work together to create a learning environment that is supportive, inclusive, and empowering. Let's focus on building skills rather than labeling conditions, and let's praise effort rather than intelligence. By doing so, we can help children develop the resilience and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Building a Growth Mindset in Students

Michelle’s approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of building a growth mindset in her students. By encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and development, she helps them cultivate a positive and resilient attitude towards learning. This approach is supported by research, which shows that students who adopt a growth mindset tend to perform better academically and are more likely to persist in the face of obstacles. To learn more about how to promote a growth mindset in students, check out the Growth Mindset course on the Learning Success website.

Key Takeaways:

Teaching Background Michelle has been teaching for 17 years and currently teaches seventh and eighth grade English language arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of teaching and is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Grade Breakdown Michelle's school district has a grade breakdown that includes kindergarten through fifth grade in elementary school, sixth through eighth grade in middle school, and ninth through twelfth grade in high school. She believes that this breakdown allows students to transition smoothly from elementary to middle school and eventually to high school.

Passion for Teaching Michelle was drawn to teaching because of her experience growing up in a daycare home and her love of reading and writing. She is committed to creating a positive and supportive learning environment that fosters a love of learning in her students.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

Michelle’s experiences as a teacher and a mother have taught her the importance of creating a supportive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of students. By providing students with the necessary resources and support, teachers can help them build confidence and develop a love for learning. To learn more about how to create a supportive learning environment, visit the Focus Foundations page on the Learning Success website, which offers a range of resources and strategies for promoting student success.

Here’s what I believe with every fiber of my being: you don’t need anyone’s permission to help your own child. You don’t need to wait for school systems to finally notice what you’ve seen for years. You don’t need credentials or certification to be the most powerful teacher your child will ever have. The system may be designed to keep you waiting in the wings, feeling helpless while your child struggles—but that design can’t survive a parent who refuses to accept it. Your love, your instincts, and your daily presence are more powerful than any program, any label, or any expert assessment. And your child’s brain is capable of more growth than anyone who uses words like ‘can’t’ and ‘never’ would ever dare to imagine.