Educator's Quick Reference Guide to Grit in the Classroom

The combination of sustained hard work and resiliency, grit is the difference between those who give up and those who don't. This quick reference guide provides educators with an easy-to-read overview of ideas for creating a learning environment that fosters grit development for all students, regardless of ability. The guide includes practical, research-based strategies for teachers, coordinators, and administrators for creating a “gritty” school culture. It also describes grit and its connections to perseverance, growth mindsets, goal orientation, and talent development. With its concise format, this guide is perfect for educators new to grit development or those looking for an at-a-glance review of major components.

Laila Y. Sanguras is a former middle school teacher. That means she's an expert in managing parent loops, writing accommodations, field trip planning, and navigating the highs and lows of middle school emotions. Plus, she knows some stuff about language arts. Her interest in grit stemmed from observing her students balk at challenging activities in school, yet excel despite struggling in areas outside of school. She received her doctorate in educational psychology from the University of North Texas. It sounds boring, but really it's exciting. A storyteller at heart, she now deeply understands how she can use numbers and words to narrate our experiences.