Lindsay Titus, a behavior specialist and educator with over 18 years of experience, has a passion for helping educators redefine their authentic selves and find their inner spark both inside and outside the classroom. In an interview with fellow educator Jeanette Shorey, Lindsay shared her journey and valuable insights into the world of behavior management and authentic self-discovery.

Lindsay began her career as a special education teacher, but her focus quickly shifted from just teaching subjects to understanding and shaping students’ behaviors. She realized that addressing behavior issues required an inside-out approach, delving into the root causes rather than merely implementing external changes. Her extensive career in behavior support ranged from teaching to working in residential facilities and non-profit learning centers, finally landing as a behavior specialist for a local school district.

During the interview, Lindsay highlights the importance of educators being authentic and defining themselves outside of their teaching roles. She stresses that educators can and should lead balanced lives that encompass both their professional and personal passions.

Lindsay shared some practical strategies for educators, such as starting each day with a few minutes of gratitude reflection. This simple practice gradually fosters a deeper sense of gratitude, which can be a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience. Additionally, she emphasized the significance of engaging in positive self-talk and learning to love oneself. One particularly impactful suggestion was the idea of having conversations with oneself in front of a mirror, reinforcing personal strengths and growth areas.

Moreover, Lindsay discusses the importance of modeling emotional intelligence and self-expression for students. By demonstrating how to handle emotions in a constructive manner, educators can create a more empathetic and understanding classroom environment. She explains that emotions should be acknowledged, felt, and expressed, as this allows students to learn that they, too, can manage their feelings.

In the context of classroom management, Lindsay advised teachers to consider whether a student’s behavior directly hinders teaching and learning. If teaching can continue, non-verbal prompts and visual cues can be used to guide the student. If a student’s behavior becomes disruptive, educators can take a moment to connect with the student, using “notice and wonder” language. This approach allows teachers to offer support, understanding, and alternative solutions, helping the student regain focus and control.

Ultimately, Lindsay’s message encourages educators to prioritize empathy, authenticity, and self-reflection, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for their students.

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What we talked about:

Lindsay’s Links

Website: www.defineyouniversity.com

Facebook: https: www.facebook.com/lindsay.titus828

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaytitusedu/

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