Raising Brains for Teachers

What if behavior isn't about defiance, laziness, or "bad kids" - but about brains?
Raising Brains for Teachers is a practical, funny, and deeply relatable guide for educators who are exhausted by traditional behavior management and ready for something that actually works. Through memorable, kid-friendly brain characters like Fronnie, Amy G, Hip, and Mr. BG, Dr. Sarah Allen and Courtney break down complex neuroscience into everyday classroom strategies teachers can use immediately.
This isn't a book about designing perfect classrooms or perfect kids. It's about understanding why students struggle, how stress impacts learning, and what adults can do to build regulation, independence, self-awareness, and real-life skills instead of simply reacting to behavior.
Filled with classroom stories, brain-based tools, reflective strategies, and honest humor, Raising Brains for Teachers helps educators shift from managing chaos to teaching the skills brains need to succeed.
Because when we understand the brain, everything changes.

Dr. Sarah is a pediatric neuropsychologist, mom of four, and professional brain nerd. She has spent her career looking at kids, teachers, and schools from just about every angle - running a school, teaching lessons, conducting assessments, and supporting classrooms across New Jersey and beyond. She's endlessly curious about what drives behavior and loves helping people understand their "Amy G moments" - though she'll be the first to admit that leading with her own Fronnie is still very much a work in progress some days. She truly believes that when we understand how brains work, life gets easier. When we stop managing chaos and start building the skills that help brains grow, everyone wins. Because we're not just teaching kids. We're raising brains. This book was written with love, laughter, and a deep respect for teachers, with Courtney Szymanski proudly at the top of that list.

Courtney is a former teacher turned teacher coach (and professional helper to Dr. Sarah!). She's a wife and mom of two who loves spending time with her family, trying out new hobbies, and solving the mysteries behind kids' behaviors with her brain detective hat firmly in place. She runs on color-coded calendars and trusty routines with the help of her favorite character, Mr. BG.