Surrounded by Idiots: Understanding Communication Styles in Education (Summer 2026)

This course is intended for participants to increase their understanding of communication styles and how differences in communication preferences can impact relationships, collaboration, conflict, and school culture. Participants will dive into the ideas presented by Thomas Erikson, author of Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood. Through assigned reading, discussion, reflection, and application activities, participants will explore the four communication styles presented in the book and consider how these styles influence interactions with colleagues, students, families, and community members.

Participants will examine their own communication preferences and identify strategies for adapting their communication when working with individuals who have different communication needs. Discussions with colleagues will help participants connect the concepts from the book to real-world situations within the school setting and develop practical strategies for improving communication and collaboration.

The DISC framework presented in the book will be used as a tool for reflection and discussion rather than as a formal psychological or personality assessment. Participants will be encouraged to consider individual differences while avoiding labeling or making assumptions about colleagues or students.