Why Cultivating "Mind-Soil" for Growth Is Hard in Today’s Education—and Why Restructuring Is Urgent

By Kohila Sivas

https://www.learningsuccessacademy.com/

Education is often described as the foundation of a thriving society, yet today’s educational systems are struggling to meet the needs of students—and teachers. The traditional model—focused on delivering information and testing for retention—fails to address the essential groundwork required for effective learning: preparing the mind, body, and emotions for growth.

This missing step, referred to as cultivating "mind-soil," is the process of creating readiness in students before teaching them new content. Without it, the seeds of knowledge struggle to take root. Unfortunately, implementing this essential preparation is incredibly difficult within the constraints of the current system, not only for students but also for the educators responsible for their growth.

Over the past three years, I’ve worked with many teachers who were at a crossroads. These were passionate educators—dedicated to helping their students succeed—but they were exhausted and considering leaving the classroom. For most, it wasn’t teaching they wanted to abandon; it was the overwhelming and unsustainable demands of the system.

The Crossroads for Teachers

These teachers weren’t quitting because they stopped caring. In fact, they cared deeply about their students and their craft. What they couldn’t endure anymore was the constant pressure to meet test scores, manage overcrowded classrooms, and juggle behavioural and emotional challenges without adequate resources or support.

For many, the passion to teach remained. They simply needed a way to do it that aligned with their values and allowed them to truly make a difference. That’s when they began to cultivate "mind-soil" on their own terms—outside of the constraints of the traditional classroom.

These educators have found new purpose as independent Wholistic NeuroGrowth Learning Success Coaches. In this role, they focus on preparing students for learning by addressing their physical, emotional, and mental readiness. This shift has not only reignited their passion for teaching but also allowed them to make a deeper impact on their students’ lives.

Why Restructuring Is Urgent

Teachers leaving traditional classrooms isn’t just a personal decision—it’s a symptom of a larger problem. The education system is broken, and it’s taking both students and teachers down with it.

Here’s why cultivating "mind-soil" within the current system is so challenging—and why urgent restructuring is needed:

The Constraints of Standardized Testing

The current education system prioritizes test scores over holistic growth. Teachers are under immense pressure to ensure students perform well on standardized assessments, leaving little room to focus on physical, emotional, or mental readiness.

• The Impact on Students: Without readiness, students struggle to engage with lessons, leading to frustration and disengagement.
• The Impact on Teachers: Teachers feel torn between what they know their students need and what the system demands, adding to their stress and burnout.

Restructuring Idea: Shift the focus from standardized testing to holistic growth. Redefine success to include measures of emotional and cognitive readiness, not just academic performance.

Overcrowded Classrooms

Overcrowded classrooms make it nearly impossible for teachers to meet the unique needs of every student.

• The Impact on Students: Many students miss out on the individualized attention they need to thrive.
• The Impact on Teachers: Managing large groups leaves teachers overwhelmed, forcing them to prioritize behavior management over meaningful connection.

Restructuring Idea: Reduce class sizes to allow teachers to implement practices that address readiness, such as mindfulness exercises, movement breaks, and emotional check-ins.

Lack of Training in Holistic Practices

Most teacher training programs focus on content delivery and classroom management, not holistic readiness.

• The Impact on Students: Students encounter barriers to learning that their teachers aren’t equipped to address.
• The Impact on Teachers: Educators feel ill-prepared to support their students’ physical, emotional, and mental needs, leading to frustration and helplessness.

Restructuring Idea: Integrate training in holistic practices into teacher education programs. Provide ongoing professional development that empowers teachers to cultivate "mind-soil."

Teachers Are Burned Out

The demands of the system are unsustainable for teachers. They are expected to be educators, counsellors, behaviour managers, and more—all while meeting rigorous performance metrics.

• The Impact: Burnout is driving talented, passionate teachers to leave the classroom. This turnover disrupts learning and leaves students without continuity.

Restructuring Idea: Provide teachers with resources, such as classroom aides, mental health support, and time for collaboration. Acknowledge their emotional labour and prioritize their well-being.

Helping Teachers Help Students

If we want to keep passionate educators in the profession, we must give them the tools, support, and freedom to teach in ways that truly matter. When teachers are empowered to cultivate "mind-soil," both students and educators thrive.

For those teachers who are at a crossroads, there’s hope. The path to cultivating "mind-soil" doesn’t have to end in leaving education—it can lead to a transformation of how we approach learning. By embracing holistic practices, teachers can reignite their passion and create environments where students can flourish.

Cultivating "mind-soil" for growth isn’t just about changing how students learn—it’s about changing how we support the educators at the heart of the system. Teachers are the foundation of education. If we lose them, we lose the opportunity to nurture a generation of empowered, resilient learners.

What Needs to Restructure for You?

The education system is at a crossroads, and we can’t afford to ignore it any longer. Teachers are overwhelmed, students are disengaged, and the demands of standardized testing are leaving little room for meaningful growth.

But real change starts with us asking the right question:

What needs to restructure for YOU—whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent?

?? Are you a teacher searching for a way to reignite your passion?

?? A parent who wants to see your child thrive emotionally and academically?

?? A student who feels unseen and unprepared?

We want to hear from you because restructuring education starts with understanding the needs of those it serves.

?? Share your thoughts below or connect with us today to learn how we can help you transform learning.

The time for change is now. Let’s create a system where every teacher—and every student—can thrive.

Let’s cultivate "mind-soil" for growth—together. ??

?? Visit www.learningsuccessacademy.com to join the movement.

#EducationRestructure #MindSoilCultivation #TeacherSupport #GrowthMindset #kohilaSivas