Light Blue Learning is informed by Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges—a theory that continues to evolve as new research emerges, but it is not the only lens we use. We also draw from a broader body of research in nervous system science, behavioral science, developmental science, stress science, and real classroom practice.

​

Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation.

Porges, S. W. (2017). The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory.

Porges, S. W. & Porges, S. (2023). Our Polyvagal World.

https://www.stephenporges.com/

https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/​

​

Light Blue Learning draws from research on the nervous system (how the body responds to stress and safety), behavioral science,  developmental science, attachment theory, executive-function development, and real classroom experience working to help educators interpret and respond to student behavior in ways that support both regulation and learning.

Other works of research include: 

​

Perry, B. (1995). Childhood trauma, the neurobiology of adaptation, and “use-dependent” development of the brain.

 

Perry, B. (2006). The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics.

​

Perry, B. D. (2006). Applying principles of neurodevelopment to clinical work with maltreated and traumatized children: The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. In N. B. Webb (Ed.), Working with traumatized youth in child welfare. New York: Guilford Press.

​

Diamond, A. (2013). Executive Functions. Annual Review of Psychology.

​

Thompson, R. (1994). Emotion regulation: A theme in search of definition.

​

Gunnar & Quevedo (2007). The neurobiology of stress and development.

​

Shonkoff & Garner (2012). The lifelong effects of early childhood adversity and toxic stress.

​

Simonsen et al. (2008). Evidence-Based Practices in Classroom Management.

​

​

Other citations include:

​

3 ways getting outside into nature helps improve your health | Cultivating Health. (2024, November 27). cultivating-health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05

 

Ackerman, C. E., MA. (2025, April 30). What Is Neuroplasticity? A Psychologist Explains [+14 Tools]. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/

 

ADHD. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4784-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd

 

Admin. (2022, August 15). Exercise your vagus nerve to beat stress. Cannizzaro Integrative Pediatric Center. https://mycipc.com/exercise-your-vagus-nerve-to-beat-stress/

 

Aguilar, E. (2015, November 2). Boost your resilience by managing emotional triggers. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/boost-your-resilience-managing-emotional-triggers-elena-aguilar

 

Aguilar, E. (2019, September 12). How to address tough topics in staff meetings. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-address-tough-topics-staff-meetings/

 

Agyapong, B., Obuobi-Donkor, G., Burback, L., & Wei, Y. (2022). Stress, Burnout, Anxiety and Depression among Teachers: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10706. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710706

 

American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2025, March 21). What doctors wish patients knew about decision fatigue. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-decision-fatigue

 

Amerland, D. (2019, January 22). The Neuroscience of Self-Reflection. The Sniper Mind. https://thesnipermind.com/the-neuroscience-of-self-reflection.html

 

Amft, T. B. (2023, May 8). Glimmer: How to trigger feelings of joy and safety. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-glimmer-5323168

 

AMS Medicine. (2023, June 5). Polyvagal Theory: Advancing the understanding of the autonomic nervous system in medicine. AMS Adult Medicine Specialists. https://amsmedicine.com/polyvagal-theory-advancing-the-understanding-of-the-autonomic-nervous-system-in-medicine/

 

Ast. (2022, February 10). Brain Plasticity & Early Intervention: “Neurons that fire together, wire together” — Sparks ABA. Sparks ABA. https://www.sparksaba.com/family-resources/brain-plasticity-amp-early-intervention-neurons-that-fire-together-wire-together

 

Auer, P., Makarova, E., Döring, A. K., & Demo, H. (2023). Value transmission in primary schools: are teachers’ acculturation orientations a moderator? Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1136303

 

Ba, M. R. C. (2025, June 9). The neuroscience of gratitude and effects on the brain. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/

 

Balboa, N. (n.d.). The CreatingWE® Institute - Am I safe with you? Our Polyvagal Relationship radar. https://creatingwe.com/news-blogs/articles-blogs/am-i-safe-with-you-our-polyvagal-relationship-radar

 

Baron, K. G., & Culnan, E. (2019). Sleep and healthy decision making. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 359–369). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-815373-4.00027-7

 

Belsky, G. (2025, April 7). What is executive function? Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-executive-function

 

Bergin, C., & Bergin, D. (2009). Attachment in the classroom. Educational Psychology Review, 21(2), 141–170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-009-9104-0

 

Braithwaite, L. (2025, May 12). Decision Fatigue - Biases & Heuristics | The Decision Lab. The Decision Lab. https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/decision-fatigue?&adw=true&utm_campaign=21+Biases+-+Decision+Fatigue&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=adwords&utm_term=decision%20fatigue&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ad=500704987110&hsa_src=g&hsa_cam=12416109777&hsa_kw=decision%20fatigue&hsa_grp=121194106474&hsa_tgt=kwd-298635362580&hsa_ver=3&hsa_acc=8441935193&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvJyjBhApEiwAWz2nLfn8PiUS4ylMWCkxDdP5v5aN00FRDdKA5YegLe58uHhvPo1Zl3T_8hoCTAwQAvD_BwE

 

BSc, E. M. (2025, June 9). What are Negative Emotions and How to Control Them? PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/negative-emotions/

 

Buchanan, T. W., PhD. (2023, September 22). Germs aren’t the only infectious agents out there. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stress-on-the-brain/202309/how-stress-is-contagious

 

Building Parent-Teacher Relationships | Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/parent-engagement/articles/building-parent-teacher-relationships

 

Carter, R. T., Mazzula, S., Victoria, R., Vazquez, R., Hall, S., Smith, S., Sant-Barket, S., Forsyth, J., Bazelais, K., & Williams, B. (2011). Initial development of the Race-Based Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale: Assessing the emotional impact of racism. Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy, 5(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025911

 

Causes of PTSD – Racial Trauma – PTSD UK. (n.d.). https://www.ptsduk.org/causes-of-ptsd-racial-trauma/

 

Carver-Thomas, D. (2018). Diversifying the teaching profession: How to recruit and retain teachers of color. https://doi.org/10.54300/559.310

 

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2013, October 31). InBrief: The Science of Neglect [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF3j5UVCSCA

 

Children’s Defense Fund. (2024, November 7). 2023 State of America’s Children® Report - Children's Defense Fund. https://www.childrensdefense.org/tools-and-resources/the-state-of-americas-children/

 

Classroom, C. (2023, March 2). How to Build Relationships With Students in 2023 | Calm Classroom. Calm Classroom. https://blog.calmclassroom.com/how-to-build-relationships-with-students

 

Clinics, K. (2025, March 17). Self-directed Neuroplasticity: Awareness as a Tool for change. Khiron Clinics. https://khironclinics.com/blog/self-directed-neuroplasticity-awareness-as-a-tool-for-change/

 

Cooks-Campbell, A. (2025, January 21). How to use the emotion wheel to improve your well-being. BetterUp. https://www.betterup.com/blog/emotion-wheel

 

Coping with Racial Trauma. (n.d.). The Department of Psychology. https://psychology.uga.edu/coping-racial-trauma

 

Co-Regulation From Birth Through Young Adulthood: A practice brief. (2020, July 20). The Administration for Children and Families. https://acf.gov/opre/report/co-regulation-birth-through-young-adulthood-practice-brief

 

Co-Regulation in human services. (n.d.). The Administration for Children and Families. https://acf.gov/opre/project/co-regulation-human-services

 

Counselling, N. B. (2025, April 16). Understanding hyperarousal through the lens of polyvagal theory. North Bay Counselling Services. https://www.northbaycounselling.com/understanding-hyperarousal-through-the-lens-of-polyvagal-theory/

 

Cronkleton, E. (2022, February 25). Mindfulness and emotional well-being strategies. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mindfulness-for-mental-wellbeing

 

Dana, D. (2024). Anchored. Vermilion.

 

Danyew, A. (2021, March 16). Do we really teach how we were taught? Three things You should know | Ashley Danyew. Ashley Danyew. https://www.ashleydanyew.com/posts/teaching-how-we-were-taught

 

De Azevedo, Á. C. B., De Fátima De Medeiros Lopes, X., De Lima, J. R., Valença, C. N., Guedes, D. T., & De Souza, J. C. (2021). Relationship between work context and sleep problems of high school teachers. Research Society and Development, 10(7), e31910716195. https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i7.16195

 

Delagran, L. (1969, December 31). How does nature impact our wellbeing? Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing

 

Dev, S. (2025, March 23). The 5 Stages of Children’s Friendships. Kids First Children’s Services. https://kids-first.com.au/the-5-stages-of-childrens-friendships/

 

Does venting your feelings actually help? (n.d.). Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/does_venting_your_feelings_actually_help

 

DSJR: Get Better at Teaching. (2023, September 27). How to Repair a Teacher-Student Relationship [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbGRiTVd99E

 

Early Childhood Christian Network. (2024, July 31). Creating Joyful Learning Environments with Call-and-Response - Early Childhood Christian Network. Early Childhood Christian Network. https://earlychildhoodchristiannetwork.com/creating-joyful-learning-environments-with-call-and-response/

 

Elie, M. (n.d.). Author’s Advice to White Teachers in Urban Schools: Drop the “Savior Complex” and Learn from Students | NEA. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/authors-advice-white-teachers-urban-schools-drop-savior-complex-and-learn-students

 

Emotional triggers - Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. (n.d.). WSMH. https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/emotional-triggers

 

Estrada, J. (2021, May 6). Co-Regulation techniques are simple ways to calm the nervous System—Here are 3 ways to try. Well+Good. https://www.wellandgood.com/health/co-regulation-techniques

 

Forbes, H. T., & Sporleder, J. (2012). Help for Billy: A Beyond Consequences Approach to Helping Challenging Children in the Classroom.

 

Frank, T. J., Powell, M. G., View, J. L., Lee, C., Bradley, J. A., & Williams, A. (2021). Exploring racialized factors to understand why Black mathematics teachers consider leaving the profession. Educational Researcher, 50(6), 381–391. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189x21994498

 

General 5 — Rhythm of regulation. (n.d.). Rhythm of Regulation. https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/glimmers

 

Gobbel, R. (2024, August 7). Felt-Safety? What’s That?? {EP 17} - Robyn Gobbel. Robyn Gobbel. https://robyngobbel.com/feltsafety/

 

Hammond, Z. (2018, September 4). The Neuroscience of Call and Response - Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain. Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain. https://crtandthebrain.com/the-neuroscience-of-call-and-response/

 

Hammond, Z. (2022, June 3). Using Call and Response to Deepen Thinking, Part I - Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain. Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain. https://crtandthebrain.com/using-call-and-response-to-deepen-thinking-part-i/#:~:text=It%20combines%20two%20of%20the,%E2%80%9Cresponse%E2%80%9D%20of%20the%20group.

 

Hancock, M., & Hancock, M. (2022, October 4). Balancing the Brain and Body: Support total child health using Polyvagal Theory | Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego. Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego. https://specialneedsresourcefoundationofsandiego.com/balancing-the-brain-and-body-support-total-child-health-using-polyvagal-theory/

 

Hardwick, G. (2021, May 26). 5 Ways You Adapt To Trauma — Counseling and Mediation services of Oklahoma PLLC. Counseling and Mediation Services of Oklahoma PLLC. https://www.counselingandmediationok.com/blog/5-ways-you-adapt-to-trauma

 

Harvard Health. (2024, April 3). Understanding the stress response. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response

 

Harvard Health. (2024, April 29). Yoga for better mental health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-for-better-mental-health

 

Health benefits of getting outside. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-nature

 

Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Irritability and feeling on edge. Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritability-and-feeling-on-edge

 

Herstich, S. (2025, March 3). Understanding the freeze trauma response. Reclaim Therapy. https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/understanding-the-freeze-trauma-response

 

Hoshaw, C. (2022, March 29). What is Mindfulness? A Simple Practice for Greater Well-being. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/what-is-mindfulness

 

How faith and prayer benefit the brain. (n.d.). Westmont College. https://www.westmont.edu/how-faith-and-prayer-benefit-brain

 

How to calm down fight or flight response: 6 tips - Neurodivergent Insights. (n.d.). Neurodivergent Insights. https://neurodivergentinsights.com/how-to-calm-down-fight-flight-response/

 

Ida, Z. S. (n.d.). What Makes a Good Teacher? Universal Journal of Educational Research, 5(1), 141–147. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2017.050118

 

Improving students’ relationships with teachers. (n.d.). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/relationships

 

ITA Group. (2024, April 15). What to know about Neuroscience & Motivation - ITA Group. Blue Compass Interactive, Des Moines, Iowa, www.bluecompass.com. https://www.itagroup.com/insights/incentives/neuroscience-and-motivation-what-you-need-know

 

Jain, A. (2022, March 23). Yogic neuroscience. Times of India Voices. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/yogic-neuroscience/

 

Jazz, basketball, and teacher decision-making. (2025, January 27). Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom  Practice. https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/jazz-basketball-and-teacher-decision-making/

 

Jen, & Jen. (2017, November 20). The brain, learning, and reflection - experiential tools. Experiential Tools -. https://blog.experientialtools.com/2013/12/18/the-brain-learning-and-reflection/

 

Johnson, J. (2020, July 7). What is decision fatigue? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/decision-fatigue#is-it-real

 

K, E. (2025, July 23). A look at American education issues in 2025. Elevate K12. https://www.elevatek12.com/blog/elevate-in-action/american-education-issues/

 

King, B. (2020, January 2). Why changing our behavior is so difficult. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/taking-it-easy/202001/how-long-does-it-take-form-new-habit

King, J. (2023, June 5). The invisible tax on teachers of color. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-invisible-tax-on-black-teachers/2016/05/15/6b7bea06-16f7-11e6-aa55-670cabef46e0_story.html

 

 

Klein, E. (2018, December 27). 10+ tips for using Brain-Based Methods to redesign your classroom. EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-03-01-10-tips-for-using-brain-based-methods-to-redesign-your-classroom

 

Kop, W. J., Synowski, S. J., Newell, M. E., Schmidt, L. A., Waldstein, S. R., & Fox, N. A. (2010). Autonomic nervous system reactivity to positive and negative mood induction: The role of acute psychological responses and frontal electrocortical activity. Biological Psychology, 86(3), 230–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2010.12.003

 

Lcpc, J. M. (2024, January 15). Discovering your glimmers: finding moments of joy. ChoosingTherapy.com. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/glimmers/

 

Lee, S. (n.d.). Sleep quality and cognitive function. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/sleep-quality-cognitive-function

 

Leichtman, K. (2022, May 26). How burned out are you? A scale for teachers. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-burned-out-are-you-scale-teachers/

 

Lerner, M. (2024, February 27). Racial Discrimination in the workplace: a case for forensic psychological evaluation. DR. MARK LERNER. https://www.marklerner.com/single-post/racial-discrimination-in-the-workplace-a-case-for-forensic-psychological-evaluation

 

Lienhard, S. (2021, June 8). Trauma-Informed Teaching Tips for Classroom & Online Educators | Resilient Educator. Resilient Educator. https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/trauma-informed-teaching-tips/

 

Lindsay, C. A., & Hart, C. M. D. (2017). Exposure to Same-Race Teachers and Student Disciplinary Outcomes for Black Students in North Carolina. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 39(3), 485–510. https://doi.org/10.3102/0162373717693109

 

Living, I., & Living, I. (2024, September 11). The importance of establishing an ideal sleep routine for seniors | Inspired Living. Inspired Living | WordPress Website. https://inspiredliving.care/the-importance-of-establishing-an-ideal-sleep-routine-for-seniors/

 

Llc, F. C. (2024, October 20). What does “Neurons that Fire Together, Wire Together” mean? Fancy Comma, LLC. https://fancycomma.com/2024/10/19/neuroscience-hebbs-law/

 

Lockwood, S., & Cuevas, C. A. (2020). Hate Crimes and Race-Based Trauma on Latinx Populations: A Critical Review of the Current research. Trauma Violence & Abuse, 23(3), 854–867. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838020979688

 

Long, N. J. (2014). Disengaging from Conflict Cycles. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 23(1), 33–37. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1038823

 

Loughry, S. (2024, May 20). 5 stages of compassion fatigue for teachers. Premiere Education. https://www.premierece.com/blog/5-stages-of-compassion-fatigue-for-teachers/

 

Lsw, S. C. M. (2024, August 23). Expanding your window of tolerance: understanding the optimal state for emotional well-being and healthy relationships. Wildflower Center for Emotional Health. https://www.wildflowerllc.com/expanding-your-window-of-tolerance-understanding-the-optimal-state-for-emotional-well-being-and-healthy-relationships/

 

Malik, F., & Marwaha, R. (2022, September 18). Developmental stages of social emotional development in children. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534819/

 

Marcus. (2024, October 31). Why do teachers of color leave at higher rates than white teachers? Education Evolving. https://www.educationevolving.org/blog/2019/07/why-do-teachers-of-color-leave-at-higher-rates-than-white-teachers

 

Mayorga, N. A., Shepherd, J. M., Matoska, C. T., Kabel, K. E., Vujanovic, A. A., Viana, A. G., & Zvolensky, M. J. (2023). Posttraumatic stress among trauma-exposed Hispanic/Latinx adults: relations to mental health. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 52(4), 317–330. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2023.2176783

 

Mental Health America. (2025, January 27). Racial Trauma | Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/resources/racial-trauma/

 

Merrill, S. (2021, September 16). The importance of student choice across all grade levels. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/importance-student-choice-across-all-grade-levels/

 

Missimer, A. (2025, April 3). How to map your own nervous system: The Polyvagal Theory. The Movement Paradigm. https://themovementparadigm.com/how-to-map-your-own-nervous-sytem-the-polyvagal-theory/

 

Moran, J. M., Kelley, W. M., & Heatherton, T. F. (2013). What Can the Organization of the Brain’s Default Mode Network Tell us About Self-Knowledge? Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00391

 

More, more, too much: understanding sensory seeking. (2021, December 27). South Shore Health. https://www.southshorehealth.org/wellness/blog/sensory-seeking-in-children-how-to-treat-sensory-seeking-behavior

 

Morin, A. (2025, March 25). Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding: What you need to know. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/sensory-seeking-and-sensory-avoiding-what-you-need-to-know

 

Ms, T. K. (2025, February 11). What is trauma-informed teaching? Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-trauma-informed-teaching

 

MSEd, K. C. (2025, January 30). 9 Types of nonverbal communication. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2795397

 

MSEd, K. C. (2025, January 29). What is attachment theory? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337

 

Murray, G. (n.d.). Why do we wake around 3am and dwell on our fears and shortcomings? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/why-do-we-wake-around-3am-and-dwell-on-our-fears-and-shortcomings-169635

 

Nami, & Nami. (2024, February 7). Anxiety And Fear: What’s The Difference? National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/anxiety-disorders/anxiety-and-fear-whats-the-difference/

 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A resource for Educators. In National Child Traumatic Stress Network. https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/addressing_race_and_trauma_in_the_classroom_educators.pdf

 

Neuro_Frontiers. (2021, December 9). A Stable Body creates a Stable Mind: Vestibular Balance linked to Emotional Balance | Neuro Frontiers. Neuro Frontiers. https://neurofrontiers.org/article/a-stable-body-creates-a-stable-mind/

 

Neuroception: How your body detects threat before you. (2024, February 2). Apollo Neuro. https://apolloneuro.com/blogs/news/neuroception-how-your-body-detects-threat-before-you

 

Nurtured by nature. (n.d.). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

 

Osman, M. (2023, July 5). Change Your Ways: How Long Does It Take To Form a Habit? HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-a-habit#:~:text=A%20study%20from%20the%20European,between%2018%20and%20254%20days

 

OTA, The Koomar Center. (2024, April 15). OTA | The Koomar Center | What is SI/SPD. OTA | the Koomar Center. https://otawatertown.com/what-is-si-spd/

 

Otr/L, V. W. (2024, August 12). What is Polyvagal Theory? The OT Toolbox. https://www.theottoolbox.com/what-is-polyvagal-theory/

 

Pacheco, D., & Pacheco, D. (2025, July 23). Bedtime routines for children. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/bedtime-routine

 

Parlamis, J. D. (2012). Venting as emotion regulation. International Journal of Conflict Management, 23(1), 77–96. https://doi.org/10.1108/10444061211199322

 

Phillips, K. W. (2025, April 3). How Diversity Makes Us Smarter. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter/?redirect=1

 

Polyvagal Institute. (2023, March 14). Seeing students’ challenging behavior from a nervous system perspective. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/polyvagal-perspectives/202211/polyvagal-safety-supports-student-engagement

 

Polyvagal Institute. (2021, March 10). Trauma and the nervous system: a polyvagal perspective [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH5JQDAqA8E

 

Pardi, N. (2025, June 5). 25+ mindfulness exercises backed by science. OpenUp. https://openup.com/blog/mindfulness-exercises/

 

Perry, B. (n.d.). The Cost of Caring. In Child Trauma Academy. https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/media/document/sts_impact_on_child_advocates-508.pdf

 

Plume, L. (2024, October 1). 8 reasons why being in, on or around water makes you feel so good. Women + Waves. https://womenandwavessociety.com/8-reasons-why-being-in-on-or-around-water-makes-you-feel-so-good/

 

Porges, S. W. (2022). Polyvagal Theory: A Science of safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227

​

Porges SW (2017). The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.

​

Porges SW (2011).  The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.  New York: W. W. Norton & Company.

 

Porges, S. W., & Porges, S. (2023). Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us. W. W. Norton & Company.

 

Professional, C. C. M. (2025, May 13). Emotional dysregulation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25065-emotional-dysregulation

 

Professional, C. C. M. (2025, March 29). Proprioception. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/proprioception

 

PsychAlive. (2018, April 23). Dr. Stephen Porges: What is the Polyvagal Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec3AUMDjtKQ

 

Raenkwocha. (2023, December 5). How to Use Body Language to Tell Stories that Enhance Student Learning and Motivation - iccomipe. iccomipe. https://iccomipe.org/how-to-use-body-language-to-tell-stories-that-enhance-student-learning-and-motivation/

 

Raenkwocha. (2023, December 7). Non-Verbal cues that build trust, create safety, and unleash student potential - a guide for teachers -. iccomipe. https://iccomipe.org/non-verbal-cues-that-build-trust-create-safety-and-unleash-student-potential-a-guide-for-teachers/

 

Raenkwocha. (2023, December 5). The Power of Non-Verbal Communication: Using Gestures to Guide Participation - iccomipe. iccomipe. https://iccomipe.org/the-power-of-non-verbal-communication-using-gestures-to-guide-participation/

 

Rajagopalan, A., Jinu, K. V., Sailesh, K. S., Mishra, S., Reddy, U. K., & Mukkadan, J. K. (2017). Understanding the links between vestibular and limbic systems regulating emotions. Journal of Natural Science Biology and Medicine, 8(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-9668.198350

 

Raypole, C. (2023, February 14). Big feels and how to talk about them. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/list-of-emotions

 

Reat, C. M. P. L. L. A. (2021, September 15). It’s time to release trauma survivors from the task of tolerance. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/202109/traumatic-stress-and-the-circle-capacity

 

SAGE PublicationsSage CA: Los Angeles, CA. (n.d.). Racism and Ethnoviolence as trauma: Enhancing Professional Training - Janet E. Helms, Guerda Nicolas, Carlton E. Green, 2010. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1534765610389595?journalCode=tmta

 

Sandoiu, A. (2018, July 20). What religion does to your brain. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322539

 

Sayer, A. (2021, December 22). 10 easy, energizing yoga poses to help you conquer your day. Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/energizing-yoga-poses

 

Schamuhn, T. (2018, December 6). Children’s Relationships and How They Manifest in the Classroom. Institute of Child Psychology. https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/childrens-relationships-and-how-they-manifest-in-the-classroom/

 

Schhneider, B., Martinez, S., & Ownes, A. (2006). Barriers to educational opportunities for Hispanics in the United States. Hispanics and the Future of America - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19909/

 

Segal, J., PhD, Smith, M., MA, Robinson, L., & Boose, G. (2025, March 13). Body language and nonverbal communication. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/communication/nonverbal-communication

 

Sensory Processing Problems: Information for Primary Care : Alberta : eMentalHealth.ca. (n.d.). eMentalHealth.ca Resource Directory. https://primarycare.ementalhealth.ca/Alberta/Sensory-Processing-Problems-Information-for-Primary-Care/index.php?m=article&ID=27736

 

Simpson, E. H., & Balsam, P. D. (2015). The Behavioral Neuroscience of Motivation: An overview of concepts, measures, and translational applications. In Current topics in behavioral neurosciences (pp. 1–12). https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2015_402

 

Simpson, F. (2024, August 10). Living in poverty “increases risk of childhood trauma.” CYP Now. https://www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news/living-in-poverty-increases-risk-of-childhood-trauma

 

Sippl, A. (2025, April 4). Executive Function Skills by Age: Developmental guide. Life Skills Advocate. https://lifeskillsadvocate.com/blog/executive-function-skills-by-age/

 

Sissons, B. (2023, August 10). What can lower a person’s ability to concentrate? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/unable-to-concentrate#summary

 

Six Ways for Educators To Avoid compassion Fatigue | Lesley University. (n.d.). https://lesley.edu/article/six-ways-for-educators-to-avoid-compassion-fatigue

 

SKILLS & RESEARCH: Research-based curriculum applies child development theories and brain research - experience early learning. (2024, November 22). Experience Early Learning. https://www.mothergoosetime.com/skillsresearch/

 

Speaking volumes. (n.d.). ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/speaking-volumes

 

Stephen W. Porges, PhD | Polyvagal Theory. (n.d.). Stephen Porges PhD. https://www.stephenporges.com/

 

Swc, L. M. O. O. (2025, June 11). Understanding vestibular input & its role in sensory regulation. NAPA. https://napacenter.org/vestibular-input/

 

Teacher Burnout Statistics: Why teachers quit in 2025 | Devlin Peck. (n.d.). https://www.devlinpeck.com/content/teacher-burnout-statistics

 

Teacher, T. I. (2019, February 25). Teacher triggers - the trauma informed teacher. The Trauma Informed Teacher. https://thetraumainformedteacher.com/teacher-triggers/

 

Teacher Therapy. (2022, June 10). Teacher PTSD is Real (Why Teachers Quit: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Burnout & Complex PTSD/ CPTSD) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7g9gOXhdN4

 

Team, C. (2025, May 1). What are the Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs? CDV. https://cdv.org/2022/12/what-are-adverse-childhood-experiences-aces/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz8GuBhCxARIsAOpzk8xNIKhesJ7b6zISGVqoVSLxx_igSM0WPddyr5NMFTMqy5cf1XDcwSYaAvbiEALw_wcB

 

TEDx Talks. (2017, June 27). You are contagious | Vanessa Van Edwards | TEDxLondon [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cef35Fk7YD8

 

Terada, Y. (2021, March 26). Why Black teachers walk away. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-black-teachers-walk-away

 

Testa, G. (2022, October 11). Why Students Learn More When They Have Fun. Labster. https://www.labster.com/blog/why-students-learn-more-fun

 

The experiences of teachers of color. (2018, June 12). Harvard Graduate School of Education. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/18/06/experiences-teachers-color

 

The Jed Foundation. (2025, May 23). How Race-Related Trauma Affects Mental Health I JED. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/racial-battle-fatigue-what-is-racial-trauma-and-its-effects-on-mental-health/

 

The Jed Foundation. (2025, February 24). Understanding anger | JED. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/understanding-anger/

 

The link between low blood sugar and anxiety. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/low-blood-sugar-anxiety-link

 

The Plant Yourself Podcast. (2019, September 16). Stephen Porges on the link between feeling safe and making change: PYP 340 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvQrgf1SKeU

 

The Neurobiology of trauma. (n.d.). https://www.ctctbay.org/community/community-partner-table-resources/trauma-informed/neurobiology-trauma

 

The state of teacher diversity in American education. (n.d.). Shanker Institute. https://www.shankerinstitute.org/resource/state-teacher-diversity-american-education

 

Ucl. (2025, March 11). Children in poverty at greater risk of childhood traumas. UCL News. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2020/jul/children-poverty-greater-risk-childhood-traumas

 

Understanding Anger. (n.d.). In Be Well at Work. https://uhs.berkeley.edu/facstaff/employee-assistance/resources/handouts

 

Understanding Mental Health Triggers - Campus Health. (2025, May 7). Campus Health. https://campushealth.unc.edu/health_topic/understanding-mental-health-triggers/

 

User, S. (n.d.). Chelsea Psychology - Social engagement - a pathway to relaxation. https://www.chelseapsychology.com.au/index.php/library/34-social-engagement-could-be-a-pathway-to-relaxation

 

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/racial_trauma.asp

 

Valenzuela, J. (2021, November 5). A simple tool to help teachers regulate their emotions. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/simple-tool-help-teachers-regulate-their-emotions/

 

Valenzuela, J. (2020, September 21). Getting started with integrating SEL into lessons. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-integrating-sel-lessons

 

Venet, A. S. (2018, August 3). The how and why of Trauma-Informed teaching. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-and-why-trauma-informed-teaching

 

Walker, T. (n.d.). ‘My empathy felt drained’: Educators struggle with compassion fatigue | NEA. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/compassion-fatigue-teachers

 

Walker, T. (n.d.). What’s causing teacher burnout? | NEA. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/whats-causing-teacher-burnout

 

Wamser, R. A., & Richardson, J. (2024). Criterion A and Non-Criterion A Racial discrimination experiences, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and posttraumatic cognitions among Black or African Americans. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 39(11–12), 2761–2781. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605231222286

 

Warren, S. (2022, February 21). Using polyvagal theory in clinical practice. Somatic Movement Center. https://somaticmovementcenter.com/polyvagal-theory-therapy/

 

Wettstein, A., Schneider, S., Holtforth, M. G., & La Marca, R. (2021). Teacher stress: a psychobiological approach to stressful interactions in the classroom. Frontiers in Education, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.681258

 

What is Call and Response? - Answered - Twinkl Teaching Wiki. (n.d.). Twinkl. https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/call-and-response

 

Where to start: Backward Design | Teaching + Learning Lab. (n.d.). https://tll.mit.edu/teaching-resources/course-design/backward-design/

 

White, H. (2025, January 20). Triggered in the Classroom: Six tips for educators to help identify triggers and manage responses. The American Montessori Society. https://amshq.org/blog/health-wellness/2022_01_07-triggered-in-the-classroom-six-tips/

 

Why does listening to people matter so much in Leadership? | LinkedIn. (2023, June 25). https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-does-listening-people-matter-so-much-leadership-lorenzo-flores/

 

Williams, Christine Marie, "The relationship between social engagement and academic engagement in a group of 3rd, 5th, and 7th grade students" (2006). Theses and Dissertations. 955. https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/955

 

Willis, J. (2016, May 10). Teacher’s guide to sleep – and why it matters. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/11/good-night-teacher-guide-sleep

 

Writer, S. (2024, November 22). The importance of hydration | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/the-importance-of-hydration/