I never imagined my first day as a substitute teacher would change the direction of my life.

Fresh out of college, I walked into a middle school expecting to earn a paycheck while I figured out my future.

Instead, I found my life's work.

The first day, I walked into the building, it was like a jungle.

Disgruntled teachers barking at miseducated and misguided students. Students behaving in ways that were detrimental to their future. And a principal who was a visionary extraordinaire, passionate about turning this chaotic atmosphere into a peaceful abyss where students thrived and discovered their full potential.

Problem was, he didn’t have much help to bring his vision to fruition, and he spent most of the day putting out fires instead of spending time building a culture that would support his vision.

The bell rang.

 I introduced myself to the class and began sharing the expectations for the day.

Mid-sentence, I looked into the eyes of my students...

...and everything changed.

I could see it.

I could feel it.

Behind the conversations...

Behind the behavior...

Behind the masks...

were children silently asking the same question:

"Does anyone see me?"

I remembered Mrs. Sandra (Sandy) Austin.

The teacher who saw my potential when others saw a problem.

She spoke for me when I couldn't speak for myself.

She believed in me before I believed in myself.

She created a place where I felt seen, heard, safe, understood, and challenged to grow.

She was my lifeline. She changed my life.

I could still feel her presence...

At that moment I made myself a promise.

Every child who walked into my classroom would experience what Mrs. Austin gave me.

From that day forward, I set out to provide a Mrs. Austin experience for every child entrusted to my care.

Truth be told, the Connection Before Curriculum™ Movement didn't begin with me.

It began with a teacher who refused to let one child become a statistic.

My calling has simply been to carry her legacy forward. A calling I consider to be an honor.

I teach because my teacher taught.

I connect because someone first connected with me.

I believe because someone first believed in me.

Today, my life's work is helping educators create classrooms where every child feels seen, heard, safe, understood, and challenged to discover the brilliance already within them.

Because every child deserves a Mrs. Austin.

Every educator deserves the support to become one.

Discover the research, philosophy, frameworks, and practical tools helping educators rethink learning and unlock the creative genius within every child.