From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs

What if “misbehavior” isn’t about behavior but about communication?

You know the students. The one who flips out when the schedule changes. The one who can’t sit still for more than a minute. The one who argues about everything. You've tried it all: behavior charts, consequences, point systems, and maybe even a 2 a.m. Google search for “how to survive teaching.”

But what if the issue isn’t the student?

What if it’s the way we’ve been taught to respond to challenging behavior?

 From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs flips the script on traditional classroom management. It’s not about adding more tasks to your never-ending to-do list. It’s about making teaching and learning easier by understanding what’s going on beneath the surface.

Here’s the truth: at least half of all kids have experienced trauma. Their challenging behavior is a form of communication. And once we start listening, we can stop battling and start connecting. This book bridges the gap from punishing kids for their trauma-related behaviors to preserving their dignity through trauma-responsive practices.

In this straightforward guide, you’ll get 10 practical Hacks to help you:
Decode what “defiance” is really saying
Create a calmer classroom that works for all students
Build real relationships that prevent issues before they escalate
Teach students to self-regulate and self-advocate
Design assignments that are safe, not triggering
Make your classroom a space where healing and learning can actually happen

Each Hack comes with real classroom examples, quick steps you can try tomorrow, and tools for bigger, lasting change. The authors share ready-to-use scripts for tough conversations with colleagues who think trauma-informed teaching means going soft (spoiler: it doesn’t). 

“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

Your classroom can be that village. And you can be that embrace.

Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or anyone working with kids, this book offers a fresh perspective and real hope.

Because when we shift how we respond, we don’t just change our classrooms.

We change lives (ours included).

Learn more about Katie Fields and Jill M. Davis.

"Practical, trauma-responsive strategies that teachers can use right away.”
— Dr. Brad Johnson, #3 Global Guru in Education, international speaker, and author of Room 212 and Relational Intelligence

“Create a more peaceful classroom where children can flourish academically and emotionally.”
— Dr. Barbara Sorrels, educator and professor, Executive Director of the Institute for Childhood Education in Tulsa, founder of Connected Kids, and author of Reaching and Teaching Children Exposed to Trauma and Trauma-Sensitive Care for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds

“Every school, every student, and every teacher will thrive and grow by reading this book.”
— Jeffrey Benson, educator, consultant, presenter, and international author of numerous articles and books, including Hacking School Discipline Together