skinny.

Latest / Higher Listenings

The Power of Mattering: When Students Feel Seen, They Thrive

In an era Zach Mercurio calls an “epidemic of insignificance,” many students feel invisible. And when students feel unseen, motivation fades, trust erodes, and persistence becomes fragile.

Drawing on his bestselling book The Power of Mattering, Mercurio shares three simple, research-backed practices—noticing, affirming, and helping students feel needed—that educators can use to cultivate significance in everyday moments. These small shifts don’t require sweeping reforms or more time, but they can transform classroom culture, performance, and resilience.

Whether you’re an educator…

The skinny

The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.