Susan Fitzell - Educational Consultant & Speaker » Caring Community

What I Learned about Teaching from Studying Martial Arts

Susan Fitzell — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:11:48 +0000

Excerpt from a 1993 journal entry:

I wrote a note to my building principal to update him on my progress in Kung Fu since the “Kung Fu Parable”. I told him that my experience in Kung Fu will make me a better teacher. It has reminded me of what it feels like to be a “kid/student” [...]

Mandalas: A Classroom Management Strategy

Susan Fitzell — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 06:14:47 +0000

Value of Mandalas in the Classroom I’ve often talked about the value of mandalas for their calming effect on students and their ability to expand creativity. Michelle Waymouth attended one of my seminars and shared that her students love mandalas and are proud of their work. She said that one year she pieced all of [...]

Interesting Research on Autism and Empathy

Susan Fitzell — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:40:54 +0000

Research Articles on Autism and [...]

Experience As The Teacher

Susan Fitzell — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:32:53 +0000

What struck me in all this is how I began to feel about the class. I no longer felt safe. That lack of feeling safe destroyed my motivation and desire to remain in the [...]

Redirect Students without Provoking Power Struggles

Susan Fitzell — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:52:23 +0000

Behavior Management Cue Card Approach! Here's a way to quietly cue students to choose positive behavior. Use a cue [...]

Did you know that I teach kung fu?

Susan Fitzell — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:04:25 +0000

Kung Fu & Self Defense with Susan Fitzell

A program developed specifically for youths ages 6 to 15. Classes are based on traditional Kung Fu and will focus on physical self defense. Verbal skills will be taught for dealing with bullying and conflict. Students will learn self-discipline, leadership skills and conflict management strategies. Students will also [...]

Verbal Bullying & Adolescents

Susan Fitzell — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:36:03 +0000

Jen was soft spoken and frail in her appearance. She walked with a slow, short stepping gait. Her handwriting was neat, but pained and laborious. People who knew her appreciated her sweet, gentle personality. Jen learned that she had a debilitating, progressive, incurable neurological disease. The news was a devastating blow to Jen and all [...]

Peace for the Bullied

Susan Fitzell — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:41:10 +0000

“Hey you, fag with the white sox, come over here!” She commanded in her mocking, derisive tone. I crossed the street to meet her face to face, knowing in my core that I couldn’t defend myself from this group, but determined not to look afraid. Surrounded by a group of girls, I stood alone, facing [...]

KUNG FU PARABLE (Or what’s going on with those at-risk kids? They just don't try! They just don't study!)

Susan Fitzell — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:43:49 +0000

I'm a Learning Disabilities teacher at a public high school. I have worked with "at-risk" kids for the past nine years. I've always thought I had a good understanding of my students, and could empathize with their hardships. However, throughout my own educational training and career, I've had very little academic difficulty. I had to work hard, but, I always did well. I had enough confidence in my ability to learn that I was willing to make the investment.... Then, I started taking kung [...]

Can bullying in schools can be addressed with a zero tolerance discipline policy?

Susan Fitzell — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:47:17 +0000

Can bullying in schools can be addressed with a zero tolerance discipline policy and a six-hour in-service on bullying for teachers? What if we include an assembly for students? If a peer mediation program is in place in the school, has ‘bullying’ been adequately addressed? I was outraged at the website of a “bully prevention [...]