Teachers These Days: Stories and Strategies for Reconnection

by Jody Carrington, Laurie McIntosh

Teachers show up in different forms and in many chapters of a child’s life. Teaching is literacy and numeracy but, most importantly, it’s showing up with your whole heart. It’s walking kids—and yourself—through the hardest conversations about trauma, loss, grief, racism, or violence. As we work to piece together our education system in the fallout from global pandemic, the focus must be on the teachers. If the people in charge—those teachers—aren’t OK, the students don’t stand a chance.

Dr. Jody Carrington and Laurie McIntosh bring together theory and practice, weaving the science of human development with real-life stories and tangible strategies told by those most qualified to share them—our teachers. This book is for those who need a place to land when they want to be reminded that, simply by the choice of their profession, they are a powerful force in shaping our world.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Book Club, School, Professional Development, Audiobook

194 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2021

About the author

Dr. Jody Carrington is a renowned psychologist sought after for her expertise, energy and approach to helping people solve their most complex human-centred challenges. Jody focuses much of her work around reconnection – the key to healthy relationships and productive teams.

A speaker, author, and leader of Carrington & Company, she uses all she has been taught in her twenty-year career as a psychologist to empower everyone she connects with. Jody has worked with kids, families, business leaders, first responders, teachers, farmers and has spoken in church basements and world-class stages; the message remains the same – our power lies in our ability to acknowledge each other first.

Her approach is authentic, honest and often hilarious. She speaks passionately about resilience, mental health, leadership, burnout, grief and trauma – and how reconnection is the answer to so many of the root problems we face. Her wildly popular book, Kids These Days, was published in 2019 and has sold 150,000 copies worldwide. Jody’s message is as simple as it is complex: we are wired to do the hard things, but we were never meant to do any of this alone.

With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, work with major institutions and thriving clinical practice, she brings a depth of experience and insight that is unmatched in the industry.

Jody lives in small-town Olds, Alberta, with her husband and three children (she had three kids in 2 years to test her own resilience) and leads the amazing team at Carrington & Company.

Order the book now directly through my Shopify site:
https://drjodyshop.com/collections/al...

Reviews

[Lucynelsonloveslife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. This is a tough one to rate. I love Jodi and her work. The book was a lovely easy read and I enjoyed the 3-2-1 take away at the end of each chapter. It was validating , Inspiring and extremely supportive of teachers which is soooo needed. HOWEVER it did not offer a lot more than kids these days. It was short and could have included a lot more stories to make the purchase worth while. I know that sounds harsh but I honestly don’t think the content warranted another book. If you’ve read Kids These Days then you’ve basically read Teachers These Days and if I had to choose one book for a teacher it would by far be Kids These Days. The info in this book could have fit into a pamphlet. I will still recommend it but it’s a book to share around. You don’t need your own personal copy. Sorry to be a downer. Had to be honest.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve fallen in love with these ladies over and over again throughout the last few years. They keep challenging me to find my purpose, renew my passion, and focus on connection, all while reminding me I’m not alone. Listening to the stories of other educators has created a spark in me to continue connecting with other teachers so we can all continue to ‘walk each other home.’

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teachers These Days by Dr Jody Carrington and Laurie Macintosh
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I will make this short. I believe that anyone who works with young humans should read the work of Jody Carrington. Most of her work is not original, but she compiles it and shares it in a way that is easy, accessible, and creates great reflection (aka honest, sweary, and hot-mess genuine).

This book was great, but most of it was a refresh from Kids These Days, which I think I preferred.

I also struggle a bit with Laurie as a co-other, who quit teaching because she was “done” but is now giving advice to educators who feel done. I also found that her strategies weren’t really strategies - they were stories. I just struggle with Laurie’s story. She was a teacher. Got Insta famous because she was on Ellen. Became friends with Jody (because she was Insta famous and on Ellen) and quit her job because it’s hard and then wrote a book to help us not quit our jobs because it’s hard. 🤨

[Cytrina Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me a very long time to get through because I felt that I wasn’t strong enough to read it and internalize the message to implement in my class. This book is so important for all teachers to read for tips and tricks but also to be told by these wonderful ladies that my work is valuable ❤️ Thank you Laurie and Jody ♥️

[Joshua Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would absolutely recommend this book to all teachers (new and experienced), or anyone who spends time with youth. It is heartfelt and genuine, and reads very casually, while being full of very practical advice and suggestions. Most of all, this book reminds the reader of how important they are as an influence on young people, and on the world.

[Marina McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with Dr. Jody!! I had the privilege of seeing her live at my school board’s planning day and her talk legit changed my views on everything. She is incredible. This book is a must read for anyone in the field of education. Actually, if possible listen to the audiobook. Some extra conversations with the authors that I loved.

[Jadslo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone who works with kids. The authors words resonated often with me throughout this book. I feel validated in the work I have been doing as an educator and inspired to continue to do so, with some new things to consider that can assist me in doing my job even better. The biggest take away, which I have innately known, is our connection with people is more important then the lesson plans❤️

Ps
Love that it is written by two strong Canadian women!!!

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not overly different than Kids These Days but still a lovely reminder of all that we should strive for in education. <3

3+ stars, rounded up

[Crystal Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed as we prepare to return for another amazing year in the classroom! Thank you for reminding me of the wonderful things this profession allows us educators to experience when in relationship and in connection with our colleagues, students, and families. I am grateful for Dr. Jody and Laurie’s voices bringing us back to our why, the work we are blessed to do, and the difference we can make when we show up! 💜💜💜💜💜 (better than 5 🌟)🍎

[Danielle March · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried and I learned. Sometimes, all on one single page!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read by two highly dedicated professionals that incorporate theory, strategies and stories that educators can/will relate to. It's a well written, truthful book. The main theme of re connection is woven throughout the book; not only for students but for educators as well. And the last chapter reminds of how to keep going even through the roughest days. A must have for all educator teams to discuss, strategize and most of all, connect. But most importantly, thank you for including all staff working in education because anyone can make a difference in a student's life.

[Christina Ponto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar to Kids These Days, but it still inspires and engages me with important reminders for my own teaching and how to weave joy and kindness into my life

[Joanna Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was tough for me to rate. There is so much in this book, that is so important. Everything about the importance of building connections, and the strategies offered, are definitely something every educator should read. It is REALLY, REALLY good, and I believe it is so true.

On the other hand, where the book falls down, and why I would not recommend it to my colleagues, is because it falls into the same trap so many aspiring 'thought leaders' do. It offends no-one, and by doing so, it fails to address the most damaging forces in education today, and the reasons so many teachers today, are not okay. I know this book will be perceived as just another 'fix the teacher' narrative for too many of my colleagues. By trying to please everyone, which I suspect is attached to being a part of a lucrative speaking circuit, it indirectly upholds a pervasive narrative that teachers are the problem. If teachers would just learn about trauma informed practice, if they would just shift their attitude, if teachers just did more, did better..... The book did a lot of name dropping, some of the names are people I deeply admire. Others, are people who do not actually teach, but have created a business model for themselves criticizing teachers while telling them how they should teach. I witness the damage of this in my school everyday.

The book also, and completely unnecessarily attempts to be relevant to what today is termed, progressive, or leftist politics. It uses terms like BIPOC, as though placing a hierarchy on race were progressive. Consider everyone from Malaysia, to Peru, Iran, to India get lumped into the POC at the end. Woke culture, cancel culture, whatever this detrimental narrative is called these days, it simply did not need to be in this book. It detracts from the pertinent purpose of the book, which I believe was about the importance of emotional regulation, and how we as teachers help kids get there. All this could have been done without any virtue signalling. As for the inclusion of Critical Race Theory, as though it were an objective truth, this just diminished the credibility of the book to me. It was completely unnecessary, and felt out of place.

Applying my trauma informed practice, I spend most of my time trying to connect to the educators (teachers and support staff), whom the book told me to stay away from. The teachers who are often accused of resisting change, or being too negative. I have spent years trying to figure out what has happened to them. One truth the book makes, and then seems to forget, is that unless these people are okay, the kids will not be okay.

This year, I have had two violent experiences with students in my school. My relationship with these kids is fine. I have made an effort to remain connected, and improve that connection, and I am happy with those relationships. I appreciate Jody's "Kids These Days," for making that easier. What I am not happy about, is that the only reach out I received, was from the colleagues in my school. Some of those, the book suggested be avoided. For everyone else in this broken system, getting punched in the face is a condition of employment for teachers these days. I received no support from anywhere in the system, outside of those closest to me. Worse than that, and the greatest crime to me, is that those students were given no additional supports. Their needs are great, and for that to go unacknowledged, is just not okay. I wish, if the book wanted to deviate from its simplest and most important message, these were the things it explored because teachers these days, very rarely feel seen, or acknowledged.

[Tobi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cried the whole way through. Partly because I felt validated and seen and partly because I know I can always do better.

We are all teachers. We all learn from each other and this book is a reminder that the connections and relationships we build and nurture are life changing.

I really enjoyed the layout of the book. The stories and strategies were on point!

[Kristin Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 There were so many great points I highlighted throughout this book about connection, emotional regulation, empathy, and students with trauma. I experienced the burn-out she mentioned and like how she defined it. I am currently on mental health leave recommended by my doctor. Like another reviewer mentioned, there are only five pages dedicated to this topic. (The time off has helped and I’m getting my passion back).

My reason for the low stars are due to her f-bombs and other swear words. This is supposed to be a professional book for teachers, but after reading it, I won’t be recommending it to my principal. It wasn’t just the swear words, but very childish terms such as “crotchety”. Lastly, there was no reason to throw in CRT, white privilege, and other left-winged agendas in the book.

*I have read a lot about classroom behavior/management and though I agree with most of the content the author shared on the topic, I feel the need to share the other side when it comes to rewarding students after they’ve had a meltdown (“lid-flip”). I have two severe behaviors in my general education kindergarten classroom and have had to evacuate the class a few times. I’ve had my hair pulled, been kicked, punched, and sprained my shoulder from being pushed down. On several incidents, one of my students took a walk with another adult and came back with crackers and a juice. This is so common in classrooms today. As a general ed teacher, it is not fair that my day is focused on those two boys (and 4 others) taking away from the learning of the other students. To explain to the class that he got crackers and juice because he had different needs isn’t fair to the rest of my students. This is where the line crosses with the teacher and other students not feeling safe. Desks, hard cover books, and chairs have been thrown across the room by this same student and 30 minutes later he was back in the classroom. There are times suspension is needed.

My last note…kids fart in my class all the time and I have taught them to say excuse me after everyone giggles because everybody farts. If it stinks, I’ll spray it, but I am not taking responsibility for everyone’s farts all day. Teach them to say excuse me and move on! I get the “keep their dignity” part, but most of the time they giggle and we move on!

Overall, there are great points in this book which gave me some very helpful nuggets of information, but I wouldn’t recommend it due to the language, excessive stories, leftist ideologies, and some of the viewpoints I personally disagree with. And did you really need to throw in “weed pens” as an example to connect with students?? Also…students, kids, or children are better terms than continually saying muffins in a professional book.

[Natasha Oxford · Rating 5 out of 5]

In what feels like a conversation between friends, the content of “Teachers These Days” gets right to the heart of the matter - reconnecting with ourselves and those we serve (children, teens, caregivers, colleagues) is the most important thing we can do in educational settings and organizations right now.

This is pedagogy for the soul. Whether you are looking for inspiration in tackling the most challenging student interaction or it is your own resilience that is wavering, Dr. Jody and Laurie will set you up with some powerful anecdotes and transforming reflection to help get you through. There is so much impact in this highly readable, thoroughly insightful, superpower book. With each chapter comes an end of reflection in 3-2-1 style - as effective here as it is in the classroom as an exit strategy; each end readers can come back to in their daily practice.

I experienced my own need for help and reconnection this past school year - as I imagine thousands of others did too - and this book has helped me in recent days to make sense of the whys and the what-to-do-nexts as I gear up for a new year of new learning and new connections. With this book in hand, my shoulders down and a big breath in, I am ready to bring my brave!

We are in the dawn of a new era in education and “Teachers These Days” directs our vision to what we are and what we can become with renewed connection.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up Teachers These Days as I neared the end of a leave to due burnout in hopes that it would re-energize me as I prepare to go back into my classroom and finish out the school year. The blurb on the back says: "As we work to piece together our education system in the fallout from global pandemic, the focus must be on the teachers. If the people in charge--those teachers--aren't okay, the students don't stand a chance." I was hoping it would offer insight into strategies to stop burnout from happening again, or at least address systemic issues in education. Instead, it's basically the same points as Kids These Days. The only points about taking care of the teachers were to remember to breathe, eat snacks and stay hydrated, and be grateful. It's 5 pages of the book. Everything else is about helping students through grief and trauma. This isn't a bad thing, but it's not what I expected the book to be about.

I'm giving this book 3 stars because although it was not what I expected or needed right now, the message of connection and many of the strategies and reflective questions would be helpful to many, and would have been helpful to me in previous years. I also liked the way they addressed the factor that race in particular plays in trauma, especially intergenerational trauma, and acknowledged their own biases.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is an insightful and inspiring book intended to aid teachers - whether that be teachers who are burned out, grieving, feeling disconnected from the profession, etc. The authors emphasize the importance of trust, empathy, and relationship. They remind us that unregulated or traumatized kids cannot learn until they feel safe and comfortable.
I enjoyed the stories from various contributors scattered throughout the book. The authors’ strategies have equipped me as I go into my first year of teaching. There were so many insights for me to write down, reflect on, and apply.

A minor issue I had with this book is the contradiction between the title and the message. I found the section on teacher burnout to be brief and lacking real solutions. Additionally, although the book is geared toward teachers (hence the title), I believe that anyone who works with kids or at-risk populations would benefit from this book. Though this is not a bad thing, it is not what I expected based on the title. For 90% of the book, the emphasis was on children as opposed to educators.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids These Days and Teachers These Days covered all of the same material, but Teachers These Days gave me all the material I was wishing for and felt was lacking in Kids These Days. While Carrington explains the theory behind why what they talk about is important, McIntosh gave strategies to apply these theories in an actual classroom. As an educator, I found Teachers These Days MUCH more helpful, as it gave me ideas and ways to implement what the book talked about in my own classroom. Where Kids These Days let me down, Teachers These Days has me excited to implement these strategies and techniques in my classroom as soon as I can. I also felt that this book did a much better job at recognizing the place teachers hold in the lives of the children they teach, but that ultimately they need to learn how to prioritize their own needs too. Definitely a must read for anyone who works alongside kids!

[Deb Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read tor educators!

A few of my takeaways:
📚we are wired for connection.
📚If you know your purpose, your passion will show. Our purpose is not an endpoint but a constant journey of discovery and reflection.
📚We need to examine our own triggers. A dysregulated adult can’t regulate a dystegulated child. Under all bad behavior is emotional dysregulation
📚my fav….we need to be “light up crazy” for our kids.
📚kids can’t practice what they don’t know. We should always seek to find the good and give second chances.
📚We all have a story, but our ACEs don’t define us! One caring adult can offset ACEs…be that caring adult!!
📚Mad is sads bodyguard!!! Oohhh! That’s good!

So much more…many amazing resources are shared as well. I have ordered many more books referenced in this amazing book!!!

[Angie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great extension of Dr. Jody's first book, Kids These Days. With saying that, I found this book to be a very close replica to Kids These Days. Again, there was very little in this book that I didn't already know. I have been implementing a huge portion of Dr. Jody's little tips into my daily classroom for many years and found that there was not a whole lot of new material to put into my back pocket from this book, with the exception of the coffee/tea order on Google Docs/Sheets which I incorporated into our staff on Day 1. I did really enjoy the 3-2-1 at the end of each chapter which is summary strategy used by author James Clear. It is 3 things to try, 2 quotes to consider and 1 question to answer.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this especially in the nascent weeks of my teaching career. It held so much insight, much to which I had already been introduced, about creating safe places for children to be in our classrooms. I appreciated the heart-warming stories that illustrated the principles and practices that both authors were imploring educators to embrace. It didn't overwhelm with a task list of things I should be implementing and balancing as a teacher, which I needed in those first months. It buoyed up my reason and resolve for starting this career path. It also outlined more practical strategies for living in a trauma informed world in the classroom, in the workplace and in the education profession. Beautiful first read for beginning teachers.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy and enjoyable to read. Not many classroom tips, but tons of good motivational food for thought. My big take-aways:
1. Kids are supposed to flip their lids. Our job as adults is to be there with them through it and to help them (show them how to) put their lid back on.
2. It's not our job to fix kids, but to see, hear, and value them.
3. Teach them about their brains.
4. Feed them.
5. We only have to get emotional regulation right 30% of the time to teach it well enough.
6. The Benevolent Childhood Experiences scale! I love this as a counter to the ACE.
7. The healing and connective power of a good apology.
8. We're not born with kindness, empathy, or the ability to apologize. We need to receive these in order to be able to give them.

[Arlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great reminders. The idea that our colleagues should be a priority stood out to me. Carrington talked about this when I saw her at a conference in October, but her book stated it even more strongly. Out priorities should be (1.) our families, (2.) our colleagues, and then with what we have left, we give to (3.) the children we work with. Although this order of (2.) and (3.) felt somewhat counterintuitive to me - shouldn’t it be all about the children?! - she points out that loving, caring, healthy relationships with the adults in our workplace allow us to keep giving to children and help us avoid burnout.

[Lindsy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Often when I read non-fiction books linked to my profession (education) they seem dry. But that was not the case here. Teachers These Days was easy to read, filled with humour and heart. The one thing I found a bit unappealing was the often imperceptible transition between Carrington and McIntosh...I think I would have like headings to know when the voice/narration switched between the two. But, that is a minor criticism that did not take away from the overall themes/messages presented.

[Ashlyn MacNichol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every educator; in or out of the classroom. This book reaffirmed my passion for raising young minds, for “walking them home.” Jody Carrington and Laurie McIntosh share such brilliantly beautiful insight about the realities of working in education: the good, the bad, and the ugly, and do so in a way that is equally relevant as it is delightful and endearing. This book felt like a warm hug; and every human, especially the ones whose job revolves around connection and repair, are always in need of such an embrace.

[Anna Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Dr. Carrington. While I couldn’t apply everything I was reading to my own class because there are a lot of safety concerns (when letting kids flip their kids in such a manner isn’t appropriate), I was able to still take some things into my own classroom with me - such as the importance of keeping my own lid on. I will forever love this woman who taught me that as a teacher I’m not alone. We’re all walking each other home.

[Cassidy Puetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not that I didn’t enjoy this book.. I did! But felt very much like a refresher of Kids These Days and didn’t feel like much new information. As I read this immediately after finishing Kids These Days, I felt a little bored and brushing over things as I had just read it.

I did enjoy greatly the chapter on Grief & the teacher stories spread throughout the book. A few of the teachers stories left me in tears. The work we do in the school is SO special!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for everyone in education. It will help the reader understand the necessity of connecting with students, colleagues and others in order to teach. You will laugh out loud in places and cringe in others. And the chapter on grief is a must read for everyone on the planet. Seriously.

This is the first book I have ever read that made me cry while reading the afterword, for goodness' sake.

[Christie Harty · Rating 5 out of 5]

More brilliant insight from Dr Jody and Laurie. All teachers and Ed administrators should read and reflect on this book. Laughter, tears and yelling YES at the page multiple times per chapter. Uplifting and heartwarming with quite a bit of meat to digest and reflect on as well as practical strategies for the classroom or wherever you work with students. It’s a must read!