Moving Out of the Comfort Zone and into the Goldilocks Zone: Selective Mutism Strategies for Educators
Originally presented by Katelyn Reed on 9/10/2026.
PLEASE NOTE: STAR NET Region II and VI is unable to award credit for viewing this recording.
Description: Progress happens in the “Goldilocks zone”—where expectations are challenging enough to promote growth while remaining manageable enough to prevent overwhelm. This presentation will help educators and school professionals understand how anxiety impacts communication, recognize common barriers to participation, and implement practical, evidence-based strategies that foster brave talking and meaningful engagement. Participants will learn how to create supportive classroom environments and strike the critical balance between accommodation and exposure that helps students build confidence and communication skills across school settings.
Learner Objectives:
1 – Understand the role of anxiety in selective mutism and its impact on school functioning.
2 – Recognize how to identify and create “”just-right”” communication challenges that support growth without overwhelming students.
3 – Develop strategies to increase participation, communication, and confidence in students with selective mutism across educational settings.
