Respect Before Persuasion with Dr. Jacqueline Leighton

Respect Before Persuasion with Dr. Jacqueline Leighton

From The Podclass by Ever Active

March 3, 2026 · 47 min · Season 1 · Episode 66

About this episode

Dr. Jacqueline Leighton discusses the importance of respect and trust in educational relationships.

In this encouraging conversation, Dr. Jacqueline Leighton helps us explore what truly strengthens wellbeing in schools: relationships grounded in respect, trust, and authentic connection. Drawing on decades of research in the psychology of learning and relationships, she highlights why seeking understanding, rather than persuasion, is essential in our interactions with students, families, and colleagues. We dig into how we show up in relationships at school, how to navigate difficult conversations without rupturing trust, and how self-awareness and self-regulation can guide us through tense moments. Dr. Leighton shares practical, in-the-moment strategies for responding in ways that preserve relationships, even when things feel heated. She also reframes how we can remain hopeful in the face of challenge and affirms, through research, the profound impact of educators’ relational work. Dr. Jacqueline Leighton works as a Professor (University of Alberta) and Psychologist. Leaving Santiago (Chile) in 1975, two years after the coup d'etat, instilled in her a lifelong commitment to independent thinking, human rights, and specifically freedom of expression. She has over 30 years of…

People in this episode

Host: Ever Active

Guest: Dr. Jacqueline Leighton

Topics covered

  • wellbeing in schools
  • relationships
  • trust
  • self-awareness
  • communication
  • education

Keywords

  • wellbeing
  • relationships
  • trust
  • self-regulation
  • education
  • communication
  • psychology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Alberta

Places: Santiago

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