The Connection Conundrum

In schools across the world, a crisis is mounting: students are disengaging, teachers are burning out and communities are fracturing under competing priorities. Despite overwhelming research showing that meaningful connections are the foundation of academic success and wellbeing, schools continue to treat relationship-building as a 'nice-to-have' rather than essential work. Author Matt Pitman calls this The Connection Conundrum - the paradox of knowing connection matters whilst consistently prioritising everything else. Success in education, like any great endeavour, depends entirely on trust, collaboration and shared purpose. However, Matt reveals how educators can navigate the treacherous terrain of modern schooling by putting connection at the centre of everything they do. Written specifically for teachers who refuse to wait for permission to create change, this follow-up to The Connection Curriculum provides a practical roadmap through the 4Cs - Culture, Communication, Collaboration and Curiosity - that transform disconnected classrooms into thriving learning communities. Matt Pitman empowers educators to lead from where they are, offering concrete strategies to build trust, foster belonging and create sustainable connection even when formal leadership hesitates. Part manifesto, part practical guide, The Connection Conundrum is an urgent call to action for anyone who believes that schools should be about people first - and the tools to make that vision a reality.