The Connection Conundrum
Empowering Teachers to Lead a Culture of Sustainable Connection
Written for teachers unwilling to wait for permission to lead change, The Connection Conundrum offers a practical roadmap that transforms disconnected classrooms into thriving learning communities.
“The research is clear: real human connection improves mental wellbeing and outcomes in schools. The Connection Conundrum is the map for any teacher who is ready to make the journey. A must-read for all educators.”
Dr Mark Williams
Professor of Neuroscience
Keynote speaker
Author
Get your copy now.
Also available from your favourite online retailer.
In schools around the world, a crisis is growing: students are disengaging, teachers are burning out, and communities are fracturing under competing priorities. Despite overwhelming evidence that meaningful connection underpins both academic success and wellbeing, schools continue to treat connection-building as a "nice-to-have" rather than essential work.
I call this The Connection Conundrum. It is the paradox of knowing connection matters yet consistently prioritising everything else. Like any great endeavour, success in education depends on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. Through this book I aim to show you how you can navigate the challenges of modern schooling by placing connection at the centre of everything you do.
This book, its six parts and twelve chapters, isn’t about waiting for permission but acting with intention. It’s about empowering everyone to lead when formal leadership can’t (yet). For the teacher shouting into the void, the aspirational middle leader building momentum, and anyone tired of waiting for “someday,” this book is here to climb with you.
“Each step you take, no matter how small, brings us closer to a world where connection thrives and communities flourish. The solution begins with you because this is a puzzle that, once solved, will reshape everything for the better.”
— Matt Pitman
What readers are saying
-
"The power of broad collaboration, of collegiality and shared responsibility, need harnessing if we are to help prepare our youngest citizens to thrive in their futures. This powerful and pragmatic book by Matt Pitman is a clarion call for that and more."
Richard Gerver
Keynote speaker, author, non-executive director -
"Matt has packed this book with actionable advice and insightful research. It tackles a crucial issue: the lack of genuine connection in education and its impact on students. As Matt argues, connection fuels both academic achievement and student well-being. The book's clear structure - Understanding, Building, and Sustaining Connection - makes it a valuable resource for any educator."
Glen Gerreyn
International speaker, author -
"Matt is an enthusiast for finding better outcomes for more learners through deep connection in education. This infectious energy finds its way onto every page of this thought-provoking book."
Dr Phil Cummins
Associate Professor of Education and Enterprise, Host of The Game Changers Podcast, author -
“I absolutely loved The Connection Conundrum – it's exactly the kind of insightful and practical read that educators and school leaders need right now. Matt captures perfectly why connection and relationships aren't just “nice to haves” but are fundamental at the heart of school culture. I found the book really motivating, full of down-to-earth advice, accessible and if you're passionate about making your school a place where students and staff genuinely thrive, this book is a fantastic place to start.”
Al Kingsley MBE
CEO, Multi Academy Trust Chair, DfE Advisory Board, ISC Top Global Edrupter, author, speaker -
"The Connection Curriculum by Matt Pitman is truly enlightening. It brings us back to the core of what it means to connect and build relationships. As humans, our innate desire to connect and belong is beautifully highlighted throughout the book, with a focus on embracing truly connected communities. Matt hits the nail on the head, offering profound insights and practical strategies that resonate deeply, with a chance to re-think traditional approaches to learning. A must-read for anyone passionate about fostering meaningful connections!"
Naz Zengin
Inclusive education leader -
“In The Connection Conundrum, Matt Pitman invites us to reimagine school as a place of deep, lasting connection. He writes with warmth and clarity, offering practical tools to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and cultivate belonging. Grounded in research but easy to engage with, the book encourages both reflection and action. It reminds us that connection isn’t something extra. It’s foundational to student engagement, teacher wellbeing and school-wide success. It’s a quiet call to slow down, look up and lead with intention. Every educator must read this.”
Mathew Green
School leader, host of The Art of Teaching podcast -
"Focused on connection in schools and its advantage in creating benefits for our students Matt's latest book is a brilliantly researched and well referenced piece of work that puts the argument beyond doubt. For those leading schools or large organisations I would put this on your summer reading list. This is a book for educators and leaders who believe in the power of a community."
Barry Cooper
Founding Principal, host of Leading Your International School podcast -
"A rallying cry for something many in school leadership overlook - connection. As Matt outlines, many a website, corflute or school value statement outlines a value of 'the whole learner' but all this really means is a love of the scores that said learner might produce. Outlined here, in clear, structured chapters is a way to address this widely shared oversight within school communities everywhere. This book will really make you think about the way your school approaches relationships and connection."
Steven Kolber
Teacher, curriculum writer, Global Teacher Prize top 50 finalist -
"Matt's book gives us the luxury of pondering and considering one of the human sides of education. A side that we all know makes a difference but hesitate to dig into. It helps us to understand just how to build deep and ongoing connection in learning spaces, playgrounds, meetings, carpark chats and surrounding community. This book is worth reading, discussing and implementing with a team of your favourite educators."
Pip Cleaves
Principal -
“The Connection Conundrum comes at a critical juncture in education. In a world dominated by discussions around AI and the increasing loss of human connection due to digital devices, this book is the kind of practical, professional reading that all teachers need to read. Regardless of whether you have been teaching for 20+ years, are in the early stages of your career, or are a pre-service teacher, it provides a set of timeless, practical waypoints for teachers to flourish and build stronger connection in our schools.”
James Vella
School leader -
"Through detailed practical insights connected strongly to the academic literature, Matt provides a welcome roadmap for both teachers and school leaders to consider how best to build sustainable whole-school connections beyond short-term efforts. It is a fantastic resource for school leadership teams interested in planning for and developing their school’s growth in whole-school connectedness."
Dr Christopher Hudson
Author, leader, academic