The Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education podcast is a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of educators, students, and mental health professionals to explore the intersections of trauma, survival, resilience, and transformation in education.
Through compelling interviews and personal stories, the podcast serves as a bridge between academic leaders, pre-service teachers, students, ...
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Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Erin Shook, a high school AP Psychology teacher and advocate for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), to explore the real work of sustaining joy and connection in the classroom. From flexible lesson planning to yoga cards and Patrick Mahomes check-ins, Erin shares how she's reshaped her approach to prioritize human connection over rigid content delivery. Erin dives into the importance of teacher self-care, establishing boundaries, and modeling emotional intelligence for students. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a veteran educator, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking resilience, inspiration, and permission to put themselves first. Key Topics Covered: What SEL really looks like in a high school classroom Preventing burnout through boundaries and flexibility How post-pandemic education has shifted student communication needs Positive psychology and what it teaches us about becoming—not being—happier Why modeling self-care is one of the most powerful tools a teacher can offer 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📌 First to Five Check-Ins A daily SEL tool for quick emotional check-ins with students. 👉 First to Five – Ed Tomorrow 📚 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt A powerful look at how the digital age is impacting childhood and mental health. 👉 Buy on Amazon 📌 Learn more about Erin and get in touch here! https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-shook-69bbb0b5/
📘 Episodic Synopsis In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with high-energy science teacher and motivational speaker Phil Januszewski. Known for his tattooed arms and contagious positivity, Phil shares how he blends chemistry instruction with principles of positive psychology to create a classroom culture rooted in connection, resilience, and gratitude. From burnout prevention to brain-based learning hacks, this is a must-listen for any aspiring educator—especially those wondering how to bring humanity into even the densest academic subjects. 📝 Show Notes (Key Highlights & Takeaways) Meet Phil Januszewski: A 20-year veteran chemistry teacher and founder of the Positive Growth Lounge. Science Meets Soul: How positive psychology and gratitude practices are embedded into STEM education. The Gratitude Quiz Experiment: Phil’s simple intervention that improved test performance and classroom morale. Combatting Burnout: Why teachers must schedule joy into their routines and know their personal "-ers" (e.g. baker, father, reader). Teaching from Love, Not Martyrdom: How accountability and empathy can coexist in the classroom. Quiz Rewrites That Actually Work: Phil’s unique grading system that rewards progress, not perfection. Positive Growth Lounge: A virtual educator space to recharge and reconnect with purpose. Message to New Teachers: You can thrive in this field, but only if you take care of yourself first. Real Talk from Joey: A personal story of connection with his own chemistry teacher, and what it means to be seen. ✅ Referenced Resources: 📘 Shawn Achor – Big Potential https://www.amazon.com/Big-Potential-Transforming-Achievement-Happiness/dp/1524761532 🎤 Rita Pierson – Every Kid Needs a Champion (TED Talk) https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion 🔗 Connect with Phil Januszewski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/philjanuszewski/ 🌐 Official Website https://philjanuszewski.com/ 🧠 Positive Growth Lounge – Educator Membership Info https://philjanuszewski.com/educator-membership
📘 **Episodic Synopsis In this emotional and deeply reflective episode, Joey sits down with Southern New Hampshire University English educators Bonnie Fox and InnaRae Guy to explore the profound responsibility teachers carry—often stepping into the role of caregiver, counselor, and listener. From supporting English language learners to navigating the emotional toll of student loss and burnout, this panel unpacks what it truly means to be trauma-informed in both online and in-person classrooms. Together, they redefine the "superhero teacher" narrative and offer a more human, compassionate alternative: the educator as caregiver. 📝 Show Notes: Key Themes: Educators as caregivers, not superheroes Trauma-informed writing practices in diverse classrooms Supporting EFL and returning adult learners Compassion fatigue, boundaries, and the platinum rule Suicide prevention and emotional safety in affluent districts How online teachers create presence, safety, and empathy Decolonizing “good writing” and honoring diverse student voices The power of story: writing as a tool for resilience and healing Imposter syndrome and sustaining passion as an educator Building classroom communities where both students and teachers grow Links to studies: 👉 Glas et al. - Trauma, Resilience, and Teaching (PDF) Keep in touch! 👉 https://innarae.com/ (InnaRae Guy) 👉 Download your FREE trauma-informed teaching handout here (by Dr. Joey Weisler) **Special note: This podcast segment is not affiliated with Southern New Hampshire University, and all views are representative of the speaker, not their institution,
Episodic Synopsis: In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Mario Cornejo, Assistant Director of Academic Achievement at St. John’s University in Queens, NYC. A first-generation Salvadorian-American professional, Mario shares his personal and professional journey through nonprofit work, youth coaching, and higher education. He opens up about the challenges of navigating burnout, the importance of mental health awareness, and how educators and students alike can build networks of support. Through candid reflections, Mario provides actionable insights on resilience, self-advocacy, and the transformative power of fostering inclusive academic spaces. 🔗 Mario Cornejo's "Men Can Talk" YouTube Channel: Men Can Talk – YouTube 🔗 Mario Cornejo's LinkedIn Profile: Mario Cornejo – LinkedIn
📖 Episode Synopsis: In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf, lead author of Navigating Trauma in the English Classroom and a founding educator at Bayridge Prep in Brooklyn. With an extensive background in education, the humanities, and the performing arts, Adam shares how trauma-informed teaching fosters emotional intelligence, resilience, and deeper learning for students. Together, they explore how literature gives language to trauma, the role of relational teaching, and how educators can navigate emotionally charged discussions in the classroom—without overstepping into the role of therapist. This conversation is a must-listen for teachers, education leaders, and anyone passionate about transforming education into a healing space. 📌 Show Notes (Key Takeaways): ✔ Trauma-Informed Teaching – Why understanding trauma makes educators more effective and responsive. ✔ The Power of Literature – How novels, plays, and poetry help students process emotions and build empathy. ✔ Relational Teaching – Moving from “What’s wrong with you?” to “How can I help you?” in student interactions. ✔ The Role of Emotional Intelligence – Why schools must teach the whole child, not just the brain. ✔ The Line Between Teaching & Therapy – Creating a classroom that’s therapeutic without becoming therapy. ✔ Engaging Every Student – Strategies to reach both vocal and silent learners. ✔ The Need for Emotional Learning in Schools – How to bring emotional intelligence into curriculum design. ✔ The Stigma Around Trauma Studies – How educators can shift the narrative to make these discussions more accepted. ✔ Active Listening & Classroom Presence – How to create a space where students feel heard and valued. ✔ Healing Through Stories – Why reading and discussing trauma in literature can be life-changing. 🔗 Referenced Books & Resources: 📖 Navigating Trauma in the English Classroom by Adam Wolfsdorf (Available via NCTE, Amazon, Target) 📖 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk 📖 Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman 📖 The Element by Ken Robinson 🎥 Ken Robinson’s TED Talk: "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" 🔗 Learn More About Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf: Bay Ridge Prep Staff Page 🔗 Get the Book: Navigating Trauma in the English Classroom (NCTE)