Blog Posts
For School Leaders Ready to Lead Differently
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I work with administrators and leadership teams who are noticing the limits of control-based approaches and are curious about other ways of responding when things get hard.
This work focuses on understanding common patterns that show up under pressureâfor all of usâand supporting responses that are more workable, sustainable, and aligned with what matters.
If youâre interested in exploring that shift, we should talk.
If youâre looking for a program or a set of techniques to apply to others, this likely isnât the right fit.
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Upcoming NJPSA Workshop
Leading Behavioral Change: Building Connection-Based Systems That Work May 4, 2026 ⢠9:00â12:00 This workshop is designed as an opportunity to experience the approach and decide whether it resonates in your context.
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What follows is a simple way to change how conversations unfoldâwithout adding a new program, lesson, or behavior plan.
When Things Get Hard, Strucutre Alone Isn't Enough
Rules, consequences, and behavior charts can help create order. But they often fail to teach students how to regulate themselves when things get hard.
The result? You're constantly managing behavior instead of empowering students to manage themselves.
You experience:
- Endless power struggles with the same students
- Exhaustion from being the external control system
- Frustration when behavior plans don't create lasting change
- Stress from feeling like you're not reaching the kids who need you most
There's a better way.
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Not Another Program
No new curriculum to implement. No additional teaching time required. Just better conversations that change everything.
Evidenced-Based
Built on Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and decades of psychological flexibility researchâused successfully when rules and consequences fall short.
Created by Practioners
Developed by a licensed psychologist/ school psychologist with 40+ years in education. Co-created with Dr. Kevin Polk, ACT Matrix trainer and creator.
Why This Approach Holds Up Under Pressure
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This work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)âone of the most widely researched approaches in modern psychologyâand in the ACT Matrix, a simple framework developed by Dr. Kevin Polk.
At its core, the Matrix supports psychological flexibility: the capacity to stay oriented to what matters while responding effectively to difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations.
In schools, this shows up as:
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clearer decision-making under pressure
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fewer reactive cycles during escalation
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more consistent, values-aligned leadership responses
The strength of the Matrix is its simplicity. It offers a shared visual language that leaders, staff, and students can use to navigate challenges without adding new programs or procedures.
This work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)âone of the most widely researched approaches in modern psychologyâand in the ACT Matrix, a simple framework developed by Dr. Kevin Polk.
At its core, the Matrix supports psychological flexibility: the capacity to stay oriented to what matters while responding effectively to difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations.
In schools, this shows up as:
-
clearer decision-making under pressure
-
fewer reactive cycles during escalation
-
more consistent, values-aligned leadership responses
The strength of the Matrix is its simplicity. It offers a shared visual language that leaders, staff, and students can use to navigate challenges without adding new programs or procedures.
Background:
The ACT Matrix was developed by Dr. Kevin Polk and has been applied in educational settings by Phil Tenaglia for over 16 years.
For those interested in the research foundations, the approach is described in The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Populations (Context Press/New Harbinger).
Want to dive deeper into the research? The ACT Matrix approach is detailed in The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Populations
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This Work Strengthens Whatâs Already in Place
This approach isnât meant to replace your existing systems, initiatives, or frameworks.
Schools already have structuresâPBIS, MTSS, restorative practices, SEL curriculaâthat are meant to support students and staff. What often breaks down isnât the structure itself, but how people respond when pressure is high and situations become emotionally charged.
My Story
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Phil Tenaglia is a licensed school psychologist and family therapist with over 40 years of experience in education. Named 2016 New Jersey School Psychologist of the Year, Phil has spent his career translating complex psychological principles into practical tools that actually work in real school settings.
Phil also collaborates with Dr. Kevin Polk, founder of the ACT Matrix Academy (TAMA), where they develop ACT Matrix training and continuing education courses for mental health professionals and educators.
He's also the co-author of "The ACT Matrix: A Mindful Process for SEL, Mental Health, Collaboration, and Achievement" (PESI Publishing).
But here's what matters most:
Phil has walked in your shoes. He's worked with the students who don't respond to traditional approaches. He's supported the teachers who are exhausted from power struggles. He's de-escalated countless crisis events. He's helped the administrators to shift building culture.
The Simplicity Shift isn't academic theoryâit's the distilled wisdom of 40+ years in the trenches, refined through partnership with the creator of the ACT Matrix, and proven in thousands of real classrooms.
Personal Touch:
Phil also practices aikido and applies its principles of redirection (rather than force) to his work with students and teams. He uses and teaches others how to use "inner aikido"âmeeting resistance with acceptance and redirecting energy toward what matters.
Bring the Simplicity Shift to Your School or Organizarion
Looking to shift your building culture from control-based to connection-based approaches? Want to equip your teachers with practical tools that actually work with challenging students? I provide professional development, in-service training, and ongoing consultation for schools and districts implementing the ACT Matrix framework. Whether you're a principal looking to support your staff, a district leader wanting system-wide culture change, or a superintendent seeking evidence-based approaches to student behavior, I can help.
Let's talk about:
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Half-day or full-day Matrix training for your staff
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Ongoing coaching and implementation support
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Building-wide culture shift strategies
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Custom workshops for specific challenges your school faces
I specialize in applying the ACT Matrix in education and other organizational contexts. With over 40 years as a school psychologist and family therapist, I bring practical experience to every engagement.
Ready to explore what's possible?
Email me directly at [email protected]. I typically respond within 24 hours, and we can schedule a conversation that works for your timeline.
Collaborative Crisis Intervention in Schools
"Transforming Calm to Chaos" is the practical guide for educators seeking practical strategies to help students in crisis. Using the proven ACT Matrix process, this book empowers educators to intervene and build mental health and social-emotional skills in any educational setting. This engaging book, written by leading expert Phil Tenaglia, provides step-by-step guidance and practical tools for identifying, responding to, and preventing crises. Whether you're a teacher, counselor, or administrator, this book will help you and your students navigate crises together and move toward success in school and life. Order your copy today and start transforming chaos into calm in your school!
Discover the Power of Psychological Flexibility Coaching and Training Live or Virtually for You or Your Organization
Are You Looking for Effective and Powerful Social Emotional Learning Tools?
The ACT Matrix is an immediately engaging and simple process to promote awareness of self and others for learners of all ages. Using it leads to less stress and happier and healthier classrooms.
This empowering, evidenced based approach was developed by Dr. Kevin Polk, author of several ACT Matrix texts and peer reviewed trainer. It is known world wide as "the workability model" and has endless applications for those who use it.
The Matrix has been field-tested in classrooms and educational programs. It targets all of the core SEL areas naturally. Teachers report that it boosts student achievement, reduces stress, and leads to improved prosocial behavior among learners.
The ACT Matrix ramps up SEL by promoting psychological flexibility, the ability to notice one's actions and use experience to manage difficult impulses and experiences. Using the matrix increases creativity and allows learners to develop their own problem-solving tools.
At the group and classroom level the matrix promotes psychological safety, leading to shared purposes, increased cooperation and collaboration.
The matrix benefits both teachers and students by establishing a shared point of view that facilitates learning and communication. It gets everyone on the same page while allowing for diversity and individual experience. It is highly adaptive and is easily integrated into your daily routines. You spend more time teaching and your students spend more time learning!
Email: [email protected]
Would You Like In Person / Online Training that Gets Results with Less Hassles?
I have a passion for training and presenting the Matrix, known as the "psychological flexibity point of view".
Matrix training is like bike riding. You learn by practice or doing. As you practice with it you notice what works and the ride becomes smooth and rewarding for you and those you serve.
The Matrix point of view is based on the experience of the user. My live trainings are hands on and designed to leave you with functional tools you can use immediately.
I offer online trainings based on your knowledge and willingness to try out the point of view
Beginner:
This introduces you to the Matrix point of view. You learn how to set the visual and verbal context, and ask a few powerful and respectful questions that will increase psychological flexibility and learning.
Intermediate
Once you have the basics down you will be introduced to verbal aikido or the art of spinning words that turn diificult conversations toward understanding and solutions.
Advanced
This is for those who want to dive deeper and use the matrix as a unifying intervention to spark creativity and productivity for themselves and those they serve.
Email: [email protected]
Are Your Teams Struggling, Disorganized or Distressed?
Does your organization or workplace  struggle with morale issues? Are your teams in conflict, hurting or losing steam? The ACT Matrix will help them get unstuck and re-energized. Productivity and renewed commtiments to your mission soon follow.
We will come to your site (or see you virtually) and show you and your workteams how to move toward shared purposes, neutralize conflicts and increase productivity. Helping teams thrive will also reduce absenteeism and employee turnover.
Training can be tailored to your organization's needs. It centers around  a 3 Step Plan to build consensus , develop workable goals and monitor results over time.
Step 1Â
How to use the Prosocial Matrix to develop shared purposes for work teams, identify obstacles and boost morale.
STEP 2
How to move past sticking points using verbal aikido to reduce conflicts and self-sabotage within teams.
STEP 3
We teach you how to fish on your own so that you and your team can use the prosocial matrix process as on ongoing tool to move toward your goals.
Our style is active and enagaging. Â We will work with you to get the results you want. You will have the tools you need to implement immediate and lasting change.
Email: [email protected]
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I am enjoying and learning a lot from Phil’s webinars and trainings! I have used the Matrix with my clients throughout their lifespan. Using the Matrix has created a new way of looking at the world and has stimulated an avenue to create clearer insight.
Christina Pettinato MS, NCC
Speciality Counselor
As a Student Assistance Counselor, I deal with a variety of issues. Phil’s matrix training has allowed me to promote flexibility and growth with students struggling with addiction. I have seen them use it to take charge of their recovery and spend more time pursuing what is meaningful to them.
The Matrix is an excellent tool that can be used in schools, business, and treatment centers. It has helped me grow as a counselor and increase my flexibility, effectiveness, and productivity.
Maura Nixon MA, SAC
NCC
I work with Phil and have been using the matrix in my classroom for several years. Working with students who are disaffected and discouraged is challenging but the matrix gives them powerful tools that increase their chances for success. They and I notice the difference!
Andrew Bezila, Secondary Teacher
Phil is a local champ regarding therapeutic strategies and support methodology. I have had the good fortune to train with Phil, which has strengthened my consultation and intervention skills. The ACT Matrix is a can’t miss program.
John Lestino
School Psychologist
NASP Delegate