Tara Savino

I learned that sustainability in a school-based enterprise means creating a business that can last over time through planning, teamwork, and consistent effort. I plan to apply this by focusing on long-term goals, training others, and keeping the business organized and student-driven.

Student-based enterprises develop learners by teaching practical and soft skills. I plan to apply this by encouraging teamwork and reflection to help everyone grow.  It’s ok to fail, embrace failures as we learn more from them. 

Implementation is about putting the business plan into action and managing daily operations. I plan to apply this by staying organized and working closely with my team of students.  Evaluating, communicating, collaborating in a creative positive environment. 

I learned that student-based enterprises help develop real-world skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. I plan to apply this by actively participating in creating and managing a business that benefits our school community.

I've learned that reaching high levels of student engagement requires lessons to be interactive, relevant, and student-centered. When students are actively involved, they're more motivated and retain information better. I plan to apply this by incorporating more group work, video lesson involvement, real-world connections, and opportunities for student choice in my instruction.

I plan to highlight the steps students take, praise their strategies, and encourage reflection on what they learned—even if the final product isn’t perfect. I want to create a classroom culture where process is valued as much as the outcome.

I learned that planning for engagement means designing lessons where students are active, not passive. I’ll use more partner discussions, real-life examples, and student choice to keep them involved.

I plan to build strong relationships, create relevant lessons, and offer choices to help students stay engaged.  Eliminating busy work and having interactive assignments and discussions.

It’s important to take care of yourself and find a good balance.  I’ve learned that trauma-sensitive classrooms focus on safety, consistency, and support. Students affected by trauma need predictable routines, strong relationships, and a sense of control to feel secure and ready to learn.

Trauma can significantly affect a student's ability to focus, regulate emotions, and form relationships, which makes learning more difficult. Many behaviors we see in class—like withdrawal or acting out—can be stress responses, not just “bad behavior.”

What stood out to me is how trauma puts students in survival mode, making it harder for them to absorb new information or engage socially.