Jean Baptiste’s Story

Jean Baptiste is a teacher and School Director based in Rubavu district. Like many teachers who grew up in strict classroom environments, Jean Baptiste’s default approach to managing students was harsh and punitive. Children who misbehaved were disciplined with negative words, physical punishment, or suspension. He invested no time in listening to student perspectives and expressed little concern for what might be causing their challenging behaviour. He treated students as he had been treated. Then, Jean Baptiste had the opportunity to learn a new way of leading and engaging students.

Through training from Wellspring, he learned the value of empathy and positive student management. He was equipped with the tools to create safe positive relationships and engaging learning environments, and his whole approach to teaching was transformed. Jean Baptiste now leads and manages his students with empathy and humility, recognizing that a positive school environment helps students learn and thrive.

A very special thank you to 64 Waves for their work on this video.