Claire English is an experienced Australian secondary English teacher and senior leader, specialising in supporting students with complex social, emotional and mental health needs. Over the past decade, she has worked in some of the most challenging learning environments across the United Kingdom and Australia, transforming incredibly volatile, chaotic and unproductive spaces, into places of safety, support and learning. Now, through her own behaviour management courses, Claire has supported and empowered hundreds of teachers worldwide to do the same. Claire supports teachers everyday demonstrating her deep passion for creating empowered, happy and confident teachers, who create calm, happy and successful students.
Request Academic Copy
Please copy the ISBN for submitting review copy form
Description
1. Introduction 2. Pillar 1: Be Curious 3. Pillar 2: Be Calm 4. Pillar 3: Be Compassionate 5. Pillar 4: Be Consistent 6. Pillar 5: Be Clear 7. Pillar 6: Be Challenging 8. Pillar 7: Be Connected
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a classroom full of tricky secondary students, wondering why your usual strategies aren’t working, Claire English’s It’s Never Just About the Behaviour is well worth a read. Written in a warm, relatable style, this book draws you in from the start and feels like you are having a chat with a colleague who really gets it.
Review from Yvonne Harvey, Heathdale Christian College Principal of Primary - Werribee Campus
Claire English’s It’s Never Just About the Behaviour is a compassionate, research-informed exploration of student behaviour, focusing on understanding the why behind actions rather than simply reacting to them.
Suited for all educators, especially those working with students with complex needs, the book blends personal stories, practical strategies, and insights from neuroscience and trauma-informed practice. English encourages teachers to look beyond surface-level behaviours and consider factors like stress, emotional regulation, and unmet needs.
What sets this book apart is its deep empathy and realism, as it acknowledges the challenges of teaching while providing clear guidance on building safe, supportive classrooms. Strategies such as co-regulation, relationship building, and predictable routines are presented with authenticity and practicality. While not a quick-fix manual, it’s an essential read for those wanting to shift from compliance-based approaches to more relational, student-centred practices.
Phil, Deputy Principal, (Bulleen, Vic)