Gail Carter-Cade spotlights poetry-based learning framework on WJCT

Jacksonville author and educator Gail Carter-Cade appeared on WJCT 89.9’s First Coast Connect to discuss her poetry book, companion album and education resources built to help adults better understand behavior, learning and emotional struggle. She also announced an upcoming counselor’s guide for school and student-support professionals.

Why it matters: - Carter-Cade’s work is aimed at parents, educators, counselors and community groups that want practical ways to respond to behavior without defaulting to punishment or judgment. - Her resources focus on the link between emotional struggle, learning challenges and outward behavior, which matters for schools and families supporting children and teens. - The upcoming counselor’s guide could expand the reach of her framework into school support settings.

What happened: - Jacksonville author and educator Gail Carter-Cade was featured on WJCT 89.9’s First Coast Connect on Aug. 19, 2026. - Carter-Cade introduced her award-winning poetry book, Uplifting The Pain of Behavioral and Learning Styles Through Poetry Now, and the companion spoken-word album, Uplifting The Pain...Now. - WJCT listeners heard excerpts from “Shaking” for the first time during the appearance. - Carter-Cade also announced the upcoming Uplifting The Pain…Now Counselor’s Guide.

The details: - Carter-Cade drew on more than 15 years in education and her experience as the parent of a child with special needs. - The book, album and workbook use poetry, spoken word, music and guided reflection to encourage empathy, resilience, a growth mindset and stronger relationships. - The resources are designed to help readers and listeners recognize what a person may be experiencing internally and how that can show up externally through behavior, emotions or physical signs. - The companion album explores mental health, father absence, fear, bullying, loneliness and perseverance. - The poem “Shaking” is meant to show how poetry and music can express emotions that are hard to put into words. - Carter-Cade’s framework has three parts: Uncover the Cause, Understand the Struggle and Uplift the Pain. - The workbook includes guided reflection questions meant to support self-awareness, communication, problem-solving and a growth mindset. - Carter-Cade said, “Behavior is often a form of communication.” - Carter-Cade also said, “Every poem is an invitation to begin a conversation.” - The educational resources are intended for schools, counselors, community organizations, youth programs, families and professionals.

Between the lines: - The framework reflects a broader shift in education and youth support toward trauma-informed, empathy-based approaches. - Carter-Cade’s use of poetry as an intervention tool is meant to reach people who may not respond as well to traditional instruction or direct intervention. - The references to CDC concerns about youth mental health and National Endowment for the Arts findings are used to support the case for creative expression as a social-emotional tool. - The announcement positions the counselor’s guide as a practical extension of the book rather than a standalone product.

What's next: - Carter-Cade’s upcoming counselor’s guide is set to give school counselors and student-support professionals a structured resource for conversation and reflection. - The broader Uplifting The Pain™ framework will continue to be used across her poetry collection, album and workbook. - Carter-Cade is encouraging schools and community organizations to use the materials for relationship-building and support.

The bottom line: - Carter-Cade is turning poetry into a tool for understanding behavior, not just describing it.