Teachers help construct the brain’s control centre.
Self-control, focus, and emotional regulation are essential skills that develop gradually — shaped over time through consistent experiences and intentional guidance.
Teachers play a critical role in this process. From supporting smooth transitions to helping children recover from disappointment, they scaffold moments of tolerable stress — building the brain’s capacity to cope, focus, and thrive. It’s like an emotional gym workout, carefully coached by an expert.
“Just like we need to lift tolerable weights to build our physical muscles, we need moments of tolerable stress to build our emotional muscle.”
The Growing Up in New Zealand study shows that children with strong teacher relationships have better emotional regulation and are more ready to learn.
Because teachers aren’t just caring — they’re intentional.
Skilled at offering the right experiences at the right time, they help shape the executive functions that underpin learning and life.
#TeachingShapesWhatMattersMost