Jun 2, 2026
In this powerful episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons sits down with therapeutic school principal and psychologist Doug Bolton to explore a timely question:
What if our definition of success in schools is actually harming kids, families, and educators?
Doug shares research-backed insights on the youth mental health crisis, the unintended consequences of achievement-driven schooling, and the essential role of belonging, emotional regulation, and relationships in building true resilience.
If you’re an educator, school leader, or parent feeling the pressure of grades, test scores, and constant busyness, this episode offers a hopeful, practical reframe.
Key Themes in This Episode
- Why today’s students (and teachers and parents) are more stressed than ever
- How test-score culture has reshaped education since No Child Left Behind
- The myth of “high-achieving schools” and selective colleges as predictors of life success
- The research behind belonging and relationships as the foundation of resilience
- The Circle of Courage framework: Belonging, Mastery, Independence, Generosity
- Bruce Perry’s “Regulate, Relate, Reason” model for classrooms and homes
- Why “misbehavior” is often stress behavior
- The importance of building in daily pause and ponder time for nervous system recovery
- Practical first steps families and teachers can take immediately
Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/260
Connect with guest Doug Bolton