Calm. | Mindfulness. | Self Care. | Self Awareness.
Welcome to Calmer Schools!
Dr. Meredith McNerney
Meredith is a speaker, teacher, and author of “Cultivating a Classroom of Calm” (ASCD) and “Facing Cancer.” As a principal in a high-needs school—90% free meals, 78% multilingual learners—she led a comprehensive improvement strategy: clear accountability, optimized processes, and best practices that boosted social-emotional well-being and academic performance. Today she helps schools and businesses build calm classrooms and calm schools through professional development for educators, leadership coaching, and community workshops. Her approach blends trauma-informed practices, cognitive learning theories, and practical calm classroom ideas that support calm teachers, calm kids, and stress relief for teachers, while aligning with teacher continuing education goals. Dr. McNerney earned her doctorate from Northeastern University, where she researched educator mental health with a focus on attracting and retaining Black and Brown educators—work that anchors her healing-centered, equity-driven leadership.
Bill Barnes, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Grand Ledge Public Schools













