Momentum
Train the Trainer — with playing cards!
A turnkey physical card deck to use during PD sessions. Complete with facilitator guide.
Why teachers love momentum
Most PD activates threat-response.
MOMENTUM does the opposite.
It gives teachers a hands-on, low-stakes, strengths-based simulation that helps them notice what’s already working in their school — and practice building on it.
In one session, staff move from:
❌ “Everything feels broken”
✅ “Look at how much potential we already have.”
MOMENTUM was designed by educators and professional PD facilitators who understand the power of asset-based thinking and appreciative inquiry.
What’s included in every MOMENTUM Order
The Physical Deck
Choose the pack size that fits your school (8-deck and 15-deck bundles available.)
Each deck includes 80 high-quality cards:
25 Scenario Cards (real school moments that are already working)
12 Archetype Cards (perspectives for spotting strengths)
24 Build Cards (actions for expanding, deepening, connecting, sustaining)
Instruction + Quickstart Cards
Everything is written in teacher-friendly, real-life language.
2. The Facilitator Guide (PDF Download)
A complete script + structure for running a 60–90 minute PD session, including:
A calming warm-up
Discussion scripts
Group structures
Debrief questions
School-based examples
Troubleshooting for skeptical staff
A transfer-to-practice activity
Printable participant pages
You can facilitate PD immediately — no prep needed (but we do host free online monthly trainings)
3. Monthly Live Training Sessions
Included with every purchase.
Each month we host a live 60-minute onboarding/training call where you or your staff can:
Learn how to run Momentum confidently
Ask questions
See demos
Get coaching for your specific school context (school and leadership option)
Hear how other districts are using it
Recordings are emailed to all purchasers.
4. Unlimited Internal Use License
Once your school purchases the pack, all staff in your building can use the deck:
PLCs
grade-level teams
instructional coaches
culture teams
leadership retreats
new teacher onboarding
This is yours to use however you’d like!
How Momentum Works
Momentum uses a simple, powerful simulation structure:
-
Spot the strengths and momentum already present in a real school scenario.
-
Use Build Cards to create a small, doable action that amplifies what’s working.
-
Teams share their builds and learn from other perspectives.
-
Apply the same strengths-based lens to your real school.
Teachers walk out of the session with actual next steps, not overwhelm.
WHY THIS WORKS
MOMENTUM is grounded in:
Interpersonal Neurobiology (regulation leads to greater capacity for creativity- rooted in the teachings of Dr. Daniel Siegel and others)
Polyvagal Theory (teacher nervous systems matter- rooted in the teachings of Jane Clapp, Peter Levine and others)
Appreciative Inquiry (start with assets, not deficits- rooted in teachings of David Cooperrider and others)
Regenerative Systems Thinking (schools as ecosystems- rooted in the teachings of permaculture principles, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Carol Sanford, and many others)
When teachers feel safe, grounded, and connected, they can see possibilities.
When they see possibilities, they build them.
MOMENTUM gives them that process.
Choose your pack
Choose your pack
SCHOOL PACK (8 Decks)
Perfect for: grade-level teams, smaller staffs, coaches.
Supports 40–80 educators.
$997
LEADERSHIP PACK (15 Decks)
Perfect for: whole buildings, PD days, district offices.
Supports 80–150 educators.
$1,497
Individual License (1 Deck)
Perfect for coaches, ICs, small pilot teams.
$397
Who Created Momentum?
Two lifelong educators, community leaders, and systems designers (and twin sisters)!
-
20 years teaching secondary EnglishFounder, Grounded Teaching
Creator of EdShed
Nervous-system + somatic learning specialist
Regenerative systems educator
And yes, Sarah and I are twin sisters :)
-
10 years national PD architect at TNTP
Systems thinker + school culture specialist
Co-founder, Drift Lab + Grounded Teaching
Former middle school ELA teacher
And yes, Jess and I are twin sisters :)
FAQs
Is this just another PD program?
No. It’s a tool. A game. A method. A nervous-system practice.
Teachers actually enjoy this PD.
Is it research-based?
Yes !Momentum is grounded in interpersonal neurobiology, appreciative inquiry, and regenerative systems design.
Do we need training to run it?
No — your facilitator guide gives you everything you need. Monthly trainings are optional.
Can we reuse the decks annually?
Absolutely. They’re built for long-term use.
How many decks does a school need?
Most schools use:
8 decks for 40–80 staff
15 decks for 80–150 staff