A prerequisite for academic learning in the classroom is for students to feel safe and connected. This must be done intentionally. Intentional Classroom Connections offers in-school professional development experiences that are designed to provide educators with the knowledge and research- based strategies they need to build successful connections with all students. Our workshops are packed with research, brain science, engagement, and ready to implement ideas. We take a deep dive into how adverse childhood experiences and trauma show up in the classroom and impact cognition, behaviors, and relationships. There is a focus on proactive, tier 1, brain aligned strategies to cultivate a sense of felt safety in our learning environments. We also explore the concept of neuroplasticity and the power and obligation we have as educators to create positive childhood experiences for our students, especially those who have experienced trauma.

Testimonials

"The content shared by Hannah was directly related to the work we do in education. I was able to enhance my understanding of trauma and how the brain is organized to act and feel before we think. It is evident that she is passionate about the work she does. I greatly appreciate Hannah’s voice and work, which is needed in the educational space, now more than ever. "

David Copeland, Principal

"I enjoyed the PD with Hannah Zimmerman. I left with a new outlook on how to respond to my students who have experienced trauma and their needs in the classroom. I now have a different perspective with every situation that takes place in my classroom. Hannah is passionate and I am happy to have learned from someone you can tell actually implements these practices in their everyday interactions with students."

Brittany Bailey, Teacher

"So many factors impact student success. Ms. Zimmerman's professional development session on trauma left me with a deeper understanding of trauma's impact on learning, measures to minimize its effect, and the importance of developing human connections. Thank you, Ms. Zimmerman for sharing your insights."

Maria Gehringer, Veteran Teacher

Hannah Zimmerman is a passionate South Carolina educator with 10 years of experience in K-5 schools serving as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, interventionist, mentor, evaluator, and has been recognized as Teacher of the Year twice. Hannah has found great success in the classroom by intentionally creating safe environments for all students. A safe classroom environment starts with a regulated teacher, students who feel connected, predictability, and a teacher who is willing to get curious about their students and how they show up in the classroom. She strongly believes all students deserve a classroom environment where they are seen, heard, valued, known and loved.

Hannah holds a Master’s Degree in Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and a Professional Certificate in Building Resilience through Trauma Informed Practices.

Educators know there are students who have adverse experiences and also know the value of relationships, the work Hannah does connects these two understandings with research and brain science. She enjoys being able to connect with educators and sharing her passion and love for students.

Core Values

Growth

It is a core belief at Intentional Classroom Connections that in order to grow we must be willing to get curious about different perspectives and step out of our comfort zones. The commitment to be a lifelong learner and seek continuous improvement allows us the space to grow, evolve, and feel empowered.

"Growth and comfort cannot coexist." -Ginni Rometty

Service

Intentional Classroom Connections is committed to delivering excellent and high-quality service to educators.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -Gandhi

Accountability and Grace

Creating a safe classroom environment requires us to find the balance between accountability and grace for our students through high expectations and high support. As educators we also have to offer ourselves that same balance between accountability and grace.

“Finding the balance between accountability and grace leaves room for me to fail while still knowing that I’ll be okay.” -Iyanla Vanzant

In-School Professional Learning Experiences

Faculty Meeting Learning

PD Type: Workshop

Designed Length: 60-90 minutes

Targeted Audience: Teachers, Administration, Staff

Half Day Learning

PD Type: Workshop

Designed Length: 2-2.5 hours

Targeted Audience: Teachers, Administration, Staff

Topics Include:

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• What it means to be trauma informed
• How trauma affects the brain, learning environment and behaviors
• 6 Principles of a Trauma Informed Approach
• Neurosequential Brain Model
• Neuroplasticity
• Proactive, brain aligned, tier 1 strategies
• 5 Priorities for Safety in the Classroom
• And more!
  

Let's Connect

Contact Us

540-312-9953

intentionalclassconnections@gmail.com

@intentionalclassconnections

Intentional

Classroom

Connections

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