Juanita Colbert’s philosophy about teaching is simple. She agrees with Madeline Hunter, saying, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think she was being too “warm and fuzzy,” but she meant you will not reach some children academically until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes, the subject matter in our classrooms can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing in many of our classrooms today is a “connection with children.” Juanita Colbert believes that research is clear: when students know you value them as human beings, not just other students, they will work harder for you and challenge you less. She also believes teachers like herself don’t need more theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names.

Juanita Colbert believes teachers need to be given research-based, proven, practical strategies and applications that teachers can start implementing immediately – without throwing anything out that is working in their classroom. Juanita Colbert believes educators have the toughest job in America as they are asked daily to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few.

Juanita Colbert understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures, and their cognitive abilities, assets, and experiences are just as wide-ranging. Sometimes, the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore.

Juanita Colbert also knows the most significant unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education is that children are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. A generation of children are coming to our schools basically un-socialized and un-connected. Many students are learning behavior from TV shows, video games, social media, and many other influences.

Juanita Colbert knows there’s not much we can do from 4:00 PM until 8:00 AM, but there is a lot we can do from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Juanita Colbert is dedicated to helping educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor, and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, she leaves educators with as many proven, practical strategies as possible. After all, a teacher once helped Juanita Colbert overcome her serious childhood behavior problem. And that minor miracle happened in a classroom led by an enthusiastic, well-prepared, loving teacher.