Every Student Has a Secret Battle: CJ Reynolds on Empathy
What if the student causing the biggest problems in your classroom is carrying the biggest burden? In this interview, CJ Reynolds explains why understanding students' stories may be the most powerful classroom management strategy a teacher can use.
7/11/2026
What if the student who frustrates you the most is carrying a burden you'll never see?
That was one of the biggest lessons from my recent conversation with educator, speaker, author, and mentor CJ Reynolds. As teachers, we spend a lot of time focused on student behavior. We see the missing assignments, the disruptions, and the poor choices. But sometimes we forget to ask what might be happening behind those behaviors.
CJ shared a simple truth that every teacher needs to hear:
Every student is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
🧠 One of the most powerful stories from our conversation involved a student who constantly acted out in class. After spending time building a relationship with him, CJ learned the student was dealing with the loss of a close friend who had been killed in a drive-by shooting. Suddenly, the behavior made much more sense.
The behavior wasn't acceptable, but it became understandable. That understanding allowed CJ to respond with empathy while still maintaining expectations.
💡 This is why CJ encourages teachers to learn students' stories as early as possible. One of the tools he uses is the Life Odyssey Activity, where students identify important moments that helped shape who they are. The activity gives teachers valuable insight into their students' lives and creates opportunities for meaningful connections.
When students feel understood, amazing things begin to happen. Trust grows. Engagement improves. Classroom culture becomes stronger. Students become more willing to take risks and participate because they know their teacher genuinely cares about them.
🎯 Another lesson CJ shared is that relationships don't require grand gestures. Often, the smallest actions have the biggest impact.
Simple habits like:
• Greeting students at the door
• Learning their interests
• Asking thoughtful questions
• Taking time to listen
can completely change the way students experience school.
🔥 The biggest takeaway from this conversation is that empathy and accountability can exist together. Great teachers maintain high expectations while also taking the time to understand the people sitting in front of them.
The next time a student frustrates you, pause for a moment and ask yourself: "What might this student be going through?" That simple question could change the way you see them—and the way they see themselves.
📚 Learn More About CJ Reynolds
🌐 Website:
https://teachyourclassoff.com/
📺 YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRGA_FqyigEPmh5U37Yn7fA
🎯 Life Odyssey Activity:
https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/classroom-management-guy-podcast
If you'd like to hear the full conversation and learn more from CJ Reynolds, watch the complete interview here:
🎥 Watch the Full Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3k9Kk7knHc&list=UULFQOIbqNhb_gseSVU6bE3uUA