In the latest episode of the Middle School Walk and Talk podcast, hosts Jessica McGuire and Phyllis Fagell sit down with Clay Cook, Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong, to discuss strategies for better supporting students through social-emotional learning (SEL) and behavior management. With his diverse background as a former university professor, middle school math teacher, and school psychologist, Clay brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the conversation.
Listen to the podcast episode now, or enjoy a recap of five key takeaways here:
- The Power of Mental Models in Education
Clay emphasizes the importance of mental models—how our beliefs and internal narratives shape our actions as educators. These mental models can either open us up to evolving our practices or close us off, hindering our ability to support students effectively. There are three critical mental models that Clay believes every educator should focus on:
- Mental Models of Self: The beliefs we hold about our professional identity. Are we open to change and growth, or are we stuck in rigid practices?
- Mental Models of Students: How we view our students and their potential for growth. Educators’ beliefs about students’ abilities to overcome challenges directly impact students’ perseverance and success.
- Shared Mental Models: The importance of getting all adults in the school community on the same page regarding expectations, values, and practices. When everyone aligns on common goals and approaches, students benefit from a more cohesive environment.
- The SERVE Model for Implementing Social-Emotional Learning in Schools
Clay highlights the need for practical, low-burden, high-impact strategies to make SEL a reality in the classroom. Educators, overwhelmed by demands, need manageable tools that make a measurable difference. One such tool is the SERVE model, which helps educators operationalize SEL:
- S – Start with a warm welcome to foster positive relationships from the beginning.
- E – Engage students through community-building activities that encourage connection.
- R – Respond with empathy, using techniques like proximity and redirection to manage student behavior.
- V – Value learning by giving students opportunities to respond and express their voices.
- E – Exit intentionally, leaving students with a positive farewell to reinforce connections.
This model focuses on embedding these practices in daily routines, making them both effective and feasible for educators to integrate.
- The Challenge of Overwhelm and Teacher Burnout
A key challenge many teachers face is burnout. Clay acknowledges the overwhelming pressure educators experience, especially with the constant influx of new strategies and initiatives. He suggests that in order to create lasting change, schools need to focus on de-implementation—removing ineffective practices to make room for those that are high-impact but low-burden. By prioritizing a small set of effective strategies and eliminating unnecessary tasks, educators can focus on what truly drives student success.
- Creating a Shared Vision for School Culture
Clay also discusses the importance of shared vision and values in shaping a positive school culture. Schools need to collectively commit to a set of outcomes, such as creating a sense of belonging or fostering engagement. Once educators agree on the outcomes they want to achieve, they can focus on the experiences students need to have to reach those goals. This alignment among all staff members, from administrators to teachers, is crucial in ensuring students have access to the high-quality educational experiences they deserve.
- Practical Advice for Educators
Clay’s advice to educators is simple yet profound: challenge your mental models. Reflect on the stories you tell yourself about your work, your students, and your school. Are these stories empowering you to make a positive impact, or are they limiting your potential? By repurposing and reframing unhelpful narratives, educators can create a mindset of hope and agency—both for themselves and for their students.
Conclusion
By focusing on mental models, using practical tools like the SERVE model, and taking a strategic approach to implementation, educators can foster a more supportive and effective learning environment. Clay’s message is clear: it’s not about adding more to teachers’ already-full plates but about focusing on what really works and making it sustainable. As he puts it, “We have control over the practices we implement, and that positions us to optimize our influence on students.”
For educators looking for more resources, CharacterStrong offers free tools, including the SERVE model and bite-sized videos, to help integrate these practices into daily school life.