Praise for Rising AboveWhen we look at the educational experience, we can quickly understand the importance that safe and supportive learning environments play, and why they should be at the forefront of all educator's minds. Challenges arise, however, when we start to look to the application of best practices and strategies to help support students and staff in our schools by establishing and sustaining these positive spaces. In Rising Above, JC Pohl is able to take what can often times be a daunting experience and provide real life, replicable solutions to help educators understand how to shift from theory to practice in understanding and meeting the needs of students and staff in our schools. --Adam Lustig, Director, Leadership Services, Education & Training, National School Boards AssociationAs long as there are schools there will be conflict. But it doesn't have to be the knock-down-drag-out kind. By writing this book as a fable about a fictitious school counselor, Pohl helps educators learn how to defuse typical school conflicts by showing us the way this counselor approaches conflict, speaks to those involved, and intentionally builds relationships - the true antidote to all conflicts. --Jenn David-Lang, THE MAIN IDEA, Learn & Lead: Masterminds for School LeadersJC Pohl has a vantage point very few individuals will ever experience. Visiting thousands of school systems, staff, students, and communities all over the country provides Pohl with a view of the diverse quilt that is our educational system. Every educator will want to read the stories and life experiences Pohl has included in this book as you discover one gem after another of deep insight. A great resource to better understand the human side of education. --Raúl Gastón, Principal - Jefferson Middle School - Villa Park, and the 2022-2023 President of the Illinois Principals AssociationAs an education leader, I have learned that maintaining a safe and student-centered environment can be accomplished simply by calming school conflict. JC Pohl has delivered a book that not only helps to give school leaders strategies to minimize conflict but also provides a tool that can be used to engage this issue with my staff and campus community. JC's story-driven approach is refreshing, applicable, and uniquely different from most school culture books I have read. --Dr. Pete M. Getz, Ed.D., Principal, Valencia High School, CaliforniaThe salvation of public education is rooted in all stakeholders realizing we are on the same team. JC Pohl provides an insightful incorporation of key culture tenets, based on today's realities, in a refreshing, hopeful, urgently needed playbook. --Mary Jane Hetrick, Ph.D., President, Foundation Logic
Preface xvFeatured Experts xixSection 1 Conflict 1Chapter 1 Omelets and Arguments 3Chapter 2 Trouble in Serenity 11Chapter 3 The Outburst 17Chapter 4 Online but Disconnected 23Chapter 5 Red vs. Blue 29Chapter 6 Burnt Out 37Chapter 7 GOLFMAST3R_DAD3288 47Chapter 8 Retreat and Refocus 55Section 2 Connection 63Chapter 9 A Little Now or a Lot Later 65Chapter 10 Silly Beans 69Chapter 11 Truly Troubled Tony 75Chapter 12 Serious Digital Beef 87Chapter 13 A Little Ad Hominem 95Chapter 14 A Cooling Ember 107Chapter 15 Trading Vinegar for Honey 113Section 3 Collaboration 121Chapter 16 One Problem Too Many 123Chapter 17 Freedom Through Acceptance 131Chapter 18 Breakthrough 141Chapter 19 Face to Face 155Chapter 20 Hemispheres 167Chapter 21 Remembering Why 171Chapter 22 Defused 181Chapter 23 Harvest 189Going Deeper: Monica's Journal 193About the Authors 233Index 235
JC Pohl is a producer and speaker dedicated to building positive school culture and empowering student voice. He has produced award-winning content for Warner Brothers, ESPN, and Disney. He is President and CEO of TEEN TRUTH, an organization that inspires students, educators, and parents to be the difference. www.jcpohl.com