School should be more than grades—it should be a place where hope grows. In this series, we’ll explore the Rooted in Hope framework—11 ways to build classrooms where safety, belonging, and growth are the norm.
Many students come to school carrying heavy burdens. Resilience means giving them the tools and experiences to face challenges and keep moving forward. We build it by creating safety, teaching regulation skills, and celebrating small wins. Over time, students learn that hard moments don’t define them—they refine them.
Origin is about understanding that students’ actions are shaped by their experiences, environments, and relationships. When we shift from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” we open the door to empathy and more effective support. It’s not about excusing behavior—it’s about finding the real starting point for growth.
Openness in education means we’re ready to listen, adapt, and see behavior as communication. It’s staying curious instead of defensive. It’s examining our own biases so we can meet students where they are—not where we expect them to be. Openness builds trust and invites students to bring their full selves to the learning space.