How educators can recognize triggers, respond with intention, and stay grounded during challenging behavior.

Challenging behavior doesn’t just test strategies. It tests us. 

Rhonda Meyers and Beth Pierson-Ringer, a HighScope curriculum expert and ECE Subhub co-owner, explore the deeply human side of teaching—what happens when a child’s behavior pushes you to your limit.

Even experienced educators are not immune to emotional responses. Beth shares a powerful moment from the classroom that surfaced one of her biggest personal triggers. 

[00:03:14] “Early on I probably would've got really loud [and] put the kid in a timeout. . . . I know [now] that a lot of challenging behaviors with consistent support can be overcome.”

Together, they unpack what it means to recognize those triggers without shame, respond as adults and help children “repair” after bad behavior.

The conversation also touches on schools’ responsibility to support early childhood teachers when big behaviors happen.

[00:30:44] “It is so important that you create a culture, not of perfection, but permission. If a teacher calls us and says, ‘I need help’ [and] we measure their need for help by our barometer, we are doing them such a disservice.”

Every challenging behavior that you navigate is building something in you. If you’re a teacher or parent whose patience or resilience is being tested, you are not alone.

You are still the adult that the child needs.



Mentioned Resources:


  
Center for Pyramid Model Innovations: Addressing Challenging Behavior conference



  
Center on Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)



  
Center on Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)



  
“Unpacking the Pyramid Model” by Dr. Mary Louise Hemmeter



  
Pyramid Model Practice social stories



  
Jennifer Champagne’s LinkedIn



  
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard



  
Michigan Alliance for Families



  
Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference 

From Triggered to Transformed: Navigating Behaviors that Test Us

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