Whether it’s in individual’s lives or on the world stage, unexpected issues can arise that affect our learning environments. How people feel deeply impacts how they learn. Whether it’s an election year, the impacts of war or trauma, or classroom or interpersonal conflict, it can be helpful to seek out resources to better support students – and yourself – to prepare to manage the unexpected.

Managing these unexpected moments – that may arise in any learning environment, within and beyond the classroom – can provide opportunities for learning by re-affirming inclusion, fostering connection and belonging, and/or setting appropriate boundaries and clear expectations. However, to be ready to move past our own uncertainty, surprise, and initial emotional reactions, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with strategies and teaching approaches in advance, to better help you and your students navigate these moments when they occur.

The following resources have been designed to help you develop tools and strategies manage these moments: 

Teaching During Periods of Disruption

Responding to Incidents that Affect the Teaching & Learning Climate

Managing Classroom Conflict

Engaging Viewpoint Diversity in the Classroom

Classroom Privacy and Recording Guidelines