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The biggest problem in schools isn’t disengagement—it’s relevance. We sit down with education leader and author Lisa Riegel to unpack NeuroWell, a practical framework that aligns brain science with daily classroom life so students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn. From belonging cues to behavior de-escalation, Lisa shows why culture design is the hidden lever for academic gains and healthier staff.

We explore how to build a true learning community: clear norms, student roles, shared rituals, and goal setting that give every learner purpose. Lisa explains emotional and intellectual safety—why routines, predictable feedback, and strengths-based language regulate nervous systems and unlock attention. We also talk inclusion that works for neurodivergent students by matching roles to strengths and creating frequent, low-stakes social practice through short “learning sprints” and positivity prompts.

Then we tackle technology and AI with nuance. Phones off can help, but the deeper fix is designing work that matters. If a chatbot can do the task, the task needs to change. Lisa shares ways to assess thinking, collaboration, and iteration by observing process, not just products, and how leaders can define graduate skills—critical thinking, empathy, communication—and backward map adult practices that reliably grow them. With teacher burnout high, we highlight how leadership culture, clear outputs, and consistent measures make change stick.

If you care about safer classrooms, stronger relationships, and lessons students remember because they matter, this conversation offers field-tested moves you can use tomorrow. Check out Lisa’s book NeuroWell on Amazon and connect with her via LinkedIN for workshops, book studies, or coaching. In addition, Lisa is also has her new book Aspirations to Operations: A leader's guide to making transformative change stick available on Amazon.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/

https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/

https://www.amazon.com/NeuroWell-Applying-science-supportive-proactive

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