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Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
At Peers Not Fears, we believe leadership is for everyone. It’s not about titles—it’s about action, influence, and showing up fully in your own life.
Dive into our posts and discover how to empower your teen to grow into the leader they’re meant to be.
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Navigating the School System When Your Child Has Been Labeled a Troublemaker
Learn how to support your child when school labels them “troublemaker” or “class clown” and help them grow beyond the label.
Lorraine Connell
1 day ago3 min read
The Secrets of Mistakes: Why Hiding Them Hurts More Than Making Them
Hiding mistakes isolates us and blocks growth. Real learning happens when we share, reflect, and grow from our missteps.
Lorraine Connell
Jul 22 min read
Learning Is a Risk – Are We Making It Safe to Build Student Confidence?
Learning is risky—and our classrooms must be safe enough for students to take those risks. Are you making space for that risk?
Lorraine Connell
May 283 min read
Words That Stick: How We Communicate Matters More Than We Think
The words we say stick—sometimes forever. What we think is small can shape how a child sees themselves for life.
Lorraine Connell
May 213 min read
Leadership and Integrity Skills, and Giving Credit Where It's Due
Giving credit costs nothing—but not doing it can cost someone everything. Let’s teach students the power of honoring original work.
Lorraine Connell
May 73 min read
How to Create a Youth Leadership Program
Empower teens with leadership skills that last a lifetime. Learn how to create a sustainable, impactful youth leadership program today!
Lorraine Connell
Apr 26 min read
What are Teen Leadership Programs?
Empower teens with leadership development programs! Build confidence, enhance skills, and prepare for future challenges today.
Lorraine Connell
Jan 153 min read
Encouraging Independence: How Leadership Development Programs Can Empower Your Teen During the College Application Process
Empower your teen during college apps! Encourage independence, authentic decisions, and self-leadership for a standout application.
Lorraine Connell
Dec 17, 20244 min read
Fostering Leadership in the Classroom: Reflection Prompts and Exercises for Growth
Foster leadership in the classroom by reflecting on growth zones, relationships, and empowering student voices to inspire confident leaders
Lorraine Connell
Dec 3, 20244 min read
Stories of Teen Leadership Transformation—Seeing Leadership in Every Teen
Unlock your teen’s leadership potential! Peers Not Fears helps build confidence, resilience, and essential leadership skills for success.
Lorraine Connell
Nov 20, 20245 min read
Creating a Classroom of Student Vulnerability and Growth
Creating a classroom of vulnerability & empathy empowers students to take risks, embrace growth, & feel safe sharing their authentic selves.
Lorraine Connell
Nov 12, 20244 min read
Embracing Biases: The Hidden Roadblocks to Seeing True Leadership in Youth
Confronting biases transforms classrooms and leaders. Challenge assumptions, embrace diverse strengths, and see every student's potential.
Lorraine Connell
Nov 1, 20244 min read
Unlocking Leadership Potential in Unseen Teens: How to Support Every Child's Growth
Uncover the potential of unseen students by challenging biases and creating opportunities for all to grow into leaders.
Lorraine Connell
Oct 17, 20244 min read
Seeing Every Student as a Leader: A Fresh Perspective for Educators to Use Classroom Leadership Strategies
Every student has leadership potential. When we stop reserving leadership for a few, we empower all students to grow and lead themselves.
Lorraine Connell
Oct 9, 20243 min read
From Overlooked to Empowered: How Being a Student Shaped My Journey as a Teacher and Coach
Being overlooked as a student shaped how I see leadership potential in others. Here's how I encourage quiet students to step into leadership
Lorraine Connell
Oct 8, 20243 min read
Building Leaders Everywhere Using this Type of Leadership Model - especially in the classroom!
With the New Year upon us, I spent time reflecting on why my method of leadership development has been proven time and again - learn why.
Lorraine Connell
Jan 2, 20245 min read
Burnout - Something Learned at School?
There is a lot of talk about burnout. I ask how did we get here? Find out my theory about school here:
Lorraine Connell
Oct 4, 20235 min read
Who me, a leader? How?
We all have the ability to lead. You don't need to be perfect - just try! You are already doing it!
Lorraine Connell
Apr 25, 20232 min read
How Leadership Myths are Created in Schools
Understanding the myths about leadership allows us to reframe the definitions of what it means to be a leader. Learn leadership myths here -
Lorraine Connell
Feb 4, 20232 min read
Leadership is Hard - We Can do Hard Things!
Leadership and chemistry are both hard. Challenges make us stronger leaders, but we need each support. We can all develop into leaders.
Lorraine Connell
Jan 21, 20234 min read
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