At its core, avoidant attachment involves the minimization of stress in order to paradoxically keep caregivers close.

At its core, anxious attachment involves amplification of stress behaviors in order to keep caregivers close and available.

A central feature of disorganized attachment is the experience of fear inside of early attachment relationships.

Secure attachment is primarily the experience of knowing and trusting a caregiver as a source of safety, soothing, and regulation.

At FuelEd, we love the concept of earned secure attachment (ESA) because it demonstrates the human capacity to heal and change relationship patterns across our lifespan.

A fascinating and still-developing body of research is revealing that how our body reacts to and copes with challenges is influenced by our early experiences in relationships.

Revisit a simple, foundational technique for practicing empathic listening with those in our personal and professional lives.

FuelEd founder, Megan Marcus, shares more of FuelEd’s history and where she sees the organization going in the future.

Our work at FuelEd is based on the principle that relationships drive learning. This first of four foundational articles outlines the scientific basis for our philosophy, how learning through relationship works, and why this knowledge matters to educators.

In this second of four foundational posts, we explore the skills needed for educators to serve as “secure attachment figures”, and point to the potential for all educators to heal trauma, transform attachment styles, and catalyze academic, social, and emotional learning.

In this third of four foundational posts, we take a look at an essential ingredient in an educator’s ability to build secure relationships: their own self-awareness.

In our final foundational article of the 4-part series, we take a look “under the hood” to explore just how FuelEd goes about growing emotionally intelligent educators that build relationship-driven schools. Surprise, surprise — it happens through the experience of a secure relationship.

By adopting co-regulation tactics and secure attachment behaviors, educators can both acknowledge the chronic stress many children are prone to and be a source of healing so students can learn and live with freedom and joy.

Want start your personal learning and development? The following books tap into foundational truths that can be adapted for all types of educators and learning environments.