Our Guest: Dr. Debra Wilson
Show Notes
Dr. Debra Em Wilson joins the Voices in Montessori podcast to discuss Polyvagal Theory and how we can apply it to the work we do with our students. Debra is a teacher and the author of The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning: Transforming Classrooms One Nervous System at a Time. She explains the three main nervous system states – ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal – and how each state provides valuable information about learning readiness.
Dr. Wilson explains that dysregulation is caused by disconnection from regulating resources. So what are the regulating resources for the nervous system, and how do we teach ourselves and others to access those resources when needed? She provides a formula for safety, connection, and retuning the nervous system. Dr. Wilson explains how these skills can be utilized by teachers and taught to our students, resulting in more joy – both in and out of the classroom.
About our Guest
Dr. Debra Em Wilson
Director, S'cool Moves, Inc.
Dr. Wilson is a reading specialist and has taught at the college, high school, and elementary levels. She’s the founder of S’cool Moves, a program designed to help students understand their nervous systems and how to access retuning resources that support regulation.
Debra consults with districts, focusing on collaboration between support staff and teachers. For over twenty-four years, her workshops and online trainings have provided evidence based strategies to help all learners reach their maximum potential.
She is the author of numerous books and instructional materials integrating neuroscience and neurodevelopmental activities into academics. Her latest book is published by Norton, The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning: Transforming Classrooms One Nervous System at a Time.
Debra loves co-creating with her peers and continuing to evolve the science of learning in a way that inspires feelings of safety and connection.
Resources
S’cool Moves, Inc.
https://www.schoolmoves.com
Book: The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning by Dr. Debra Em Wilson
Voices in Montessori Podcast
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