Building Belonging in Schools with Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen

Building Belonging in Schools with Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen

From The Podclass by Ever Active

April 1, 2026 · 50 min · Season 1 · Episode 67

About this episode

Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen discusses her research on belonging in schools and practical strategies for educators.

Dr Kelly-Ann Allen is an associate professor and educational and developmental psychologist at Monash University whose internationally recognized research focuses on the science of belonging in schools. A former school psychologist, she translates research into practical strategies that help students feel connected, supported, and able to thrive. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning The Psychology of Belonging and 3 children’s books, with one more in the works. Kelly-Ann’s mission is to help educators strengthen belonging as a foundation for wellbeing and learning. In this episode, we explore the path that led Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen to her groundbreaking work on belonging and why making research accessible and impactful beyond academia matters so deeply to her. We dive into how we can understand and meet our own belonging needs while learning the key ingredients that help students feel connected at school. Along the way, we talk children's literature, parenting, teaching, and how to attempt to navigate it all with curiosity and compassion. Special thanks to Alberta Mentoring Partnership for sponsoring this episode. Resources to share: Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen…

People in this episode

Host: Ever Active

Guest: Dr. Kelly-Ann Allen

Topics covered

  • belonging in schools
  • educational psychology
  • student wellbeing
  • children's literature
  • parenting
  • teaching strategies

Keywords

  • belonging
  • education
  • psychology
  • wellbeing
  • children's books
  • teaching
  • parenting

Sponsors

Alberta Mentoring Partnership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Monash University

Books & works: The Psychology of Belonging, The Lonely Little Cactus, Mia Belongs Here, School Is Where We All Belong

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