Shows
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Crisis Response to Proactive Care: Safety, Systems, and Servant Leadership (Part II with Jeremy Brooks)Episodic SynopsisIn Part II of this conversation with Jeremy Brooks, Classroom Narratives shifts from leadership identity to leadership responsibility — exploring school safety, crisis response, and the systems that support students, educators, and families during difficult moments.Jeremy reflects on guiding school communities through loss, the importance of transparent communication during crises, and the responsibility educators carry in balancing emotional care with professional boundaries. Together, he and Dr. Joey Weisler discuss proactive safety planning, SEL practices across disciplines, and the role of and PBIS frameworks in creating supportive school climates.At the center of...
2026-02-2545 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationMore Than a Title: Leadership Through Service and Presence (Part I with Jeremy Brooks)Episode SynopsisIn Part I of this two-part conversation, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with educator, former principal, doctoral researcher, and media host Jeremy Brooks to explore what leadership truly looks like during difficult moments in education.Drawing from his journey from classroom teacher to administrator to founder of Brooks Broadcasting, Jeremy reflects on how leadership is not defined by titles, but by presence, integrity, and service to students and educators. Together, Joey and Jeremy discuss teacher burnout, compassion fatigue, the importance of visible leadership in school communities, and how trauma-informed practices can shape healthier...
2026-02-1828 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationThe Invitation to Play: Building Community Through Storytelling with Rachael Harrington📌 Episode Synopsis In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with storyteller and teaching artist Rachael Harrington to explore how storytelling can rebuild connection, imagination, and community in the aftermath of isolation and disruption.Drawing from her background as a middle school art teacher and illustrator, Rachael shares how the “invitation to play” became central to her teaching philosophy and later evolved into her storytelling work with schools, libraries, and families. She reflects on creating Morning Circle during the COVID shutdown, using stories and art-making to provide routine, creativity, and emo...
2026-02-1136 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationRising Through the Unknown: Advocacy, Trust, and the Families Schools Don’t Always See--with Mark Ingrassia📝 Episodic SynopsisWhat does it really mean to rise when the special education system feels overwhelming, opaque, and emotionally exhausting?In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, Dr. Joey Weisler is joined by Mark Ingrassia, longtime special education advocate, former teacher, parent-coach, and founder of Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind. Together, they explore what families are facing behind the scenes—burnout, fear, withheld information, and the constant pressure to advocate without clear guidance.Mark shares both professional insight and lived experience, offering a compassionate look at why parents need trust...
2026-02-0427 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Conversation With Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf (Pt II): Teaching in the Riptide: Trauma, Authority, and the Ethics of Response in the Classroom🧭 Episodic SynopsisIn Part II of this conversation, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down again with educator-scholar Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf to examine what happens after disruption—when trauma, authority, and behavior collide in the classroom. Moving beyond theory, this episode focuses on the ethical decisions educators must make in real time: when to intervene, when to pause, and when restraint is the most powerful pedagogical move.Drawing from personal experience—including a formative moment as a Harvard undergraduate, classroom eruptions involving student crisis, and decades of teaching across secondary and higher education—Wolfsdorf interrogates how educa...
2026-01-2847 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Conversation With Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf (Pt I): Teaching in the Riptide: Subversion, Power, and the Moments That Redefine the Classroom🧭 Episodic SynopsisIn this return conversation (since spring 2025), Dr. Joey Weisler welcomes back Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf—English educator, scholar, and author of Teaching in the Riptide—for a deep exploration of the moments in education that pull teachers off balance and force reckoning, reflection, and growth. Drawing on vivid classroom narratives, Dr. Wolfsdorf introduces the metaphor of the “riptide”: those unpredictable, disorienting moments that no amount of lesson planning or graduate training can fully prepare educators for.Together, Weisler and Wolfsdorf examine obstructive and constructive subversions, unpacking how power shifts in classrooms when students challenge authority...
2026-01-2142 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Conversation With Christopher S. Mukiibi (Part II): Connection Is the Cure: Burnout, Belonging, and the Future of Teaching📘 Episodic SynopsisIn Part II of this two-part conversation, Dr. Joey Weisler and Christopher S. Mukiibi turn toward the heart of the work: connection, burnout, courage, and the deep human need to feel seen. Chris shares what his burnout research revealed — that connection, not rest alone, is what keeps teachers alive in the work — and how isolation inside classrooms can quietly erode purpose.The conversation explores imposter syndrome, the nervous system in schools, public skepticism toward education, and why many educators still do the work despite misunderstanding or dismissal. Joey and Chris also reflect on the lif...
2026-01-1430 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Conversation With Christopher S. Mukiibi (Part I): Real Learning Beyond Trauma and How Education Helps Us Suffer Less📘 Episodic Synopsis In this powerful conversation, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with educator, mentor, and creator Christopher S. Mukiibi to explore what real learning actually is—and why education must help students suffer less, not just perform better. Drawing from his own first year of teaching after the pandemic, his “Learning Compass” framework, and his experiences supporting students living through trauma, Chris speaks candidly about apathy, burnout, literacy, discipline, identity, and the deep human need for connection in schools.Together, Joey and Chris discuss how literacy gives language to pain, how students “act out” experiences they cannot y...
2026-01-0739 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationMaking Moments Matter: Weisler Alumni (Pt. IV) -- Returning to College After Service: Trauma, Voice, and the Student Experience 🧭 Episodic SynopsisIn this Weisler Alumni segment of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Tom —Army Reserve Staff Sergeant, communications specialist, husband, and returning college student—to explore what happens when education becomes a space for recovery rather than survival.Reflecting on his experience growing up in an underfunded rural school system, Tom shares how rigid, checkbox-driven classrooms pushed him away from higher education—and how the military unexpectedly reintroduced him to learning as a form of leadership, reflection, and meaning-making. Through trauma-informed writing, open classroom design, and mentorship-centered dialogue, Tom descr...
2025-12-2912 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationMaking Moments Matter: Weisler Alumni (Pt. III) —Beyond Survival: Finding Voice and Purpose as a Student in Higher Education (reflection by Dieunise Pacius)🎧 Episodic Synopsis In this powerful alumni spotlight episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler reconnects with a former student, Dieunise, for an unfiltered conversation about what it truly means to be a student in today’s education system. From K–12 classrooms to college lecture halls, Dieunise reflects on how education has shifted from learning to survival—and why that shift is failing so many students.As a film and video student navigating an underfunded arts pathway, Dieunise shares the stark contrast between institutional support for STEM students and the isolation experienced by students...
2025-12-2218 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationMaking Moments Matter: Weisler Alumni (Pt. II) —Designing Classrooms with Voice and Ownership (Florence Shirman)🧠 Episodic Synopsis In this student-voice segment of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with former student Florence Shirman, a neuroscience and behavior major at Florida Atlantic University, to reflect on what learning feels like when education moves beyond grades and toward meaning.Florence speaks candidly about her journey through school—from early experiences shaped by internal pressure rather than external expectations, to a college classroom where choice, conversation, and community transformed how she engaged with writing and learning. She shares how her semester-long Your Voice, Your Change project allowed her to respo...
2025-12-1722 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationWhere Art Holds the Weight: Restorative Classrooms, Clear Boundaries, and the Role of Art with Dr. Lisa Kay🔗 Show Notes In this episode, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Lisa Kay—art therapist, professor, and national leader in art education—to unpack why classrooms can feel restorative but are not therapy rooms.Dr. Kay breaks down the essential differences between therapeutic spaces and clinical spaces, offers four pillars that make classrooms safer (predictability, flexibility, connection, empowerment), and explains how art-making helps students hold stress, regain control, and express what words can’t.She also draws a clear boundary between art facilitation and art therapy, while sharing practical, classroom-ready art practices like “Str...
2025-12-1030 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationWhat Literacy Really Looks Like—in Policy, in Classrooms, and in the Communities Kids Call Home (Dr. Susan B. Neuman)📘 Episodic SynopsisIn this powerful episode, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Susan B. Neuman—NYU Professor of Childhood Education, former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary & Secondary Education, and one of the most influential voices in early literacy. Together they trace the complex landscape of American reading practices, the politicization of literacy, and what it truly takes to build lifelong readers.Dr. Neuman challenges traditional narratives about literacy by reframing it as both a social experience and a community-driven practice, while naming the systemic forces that shape how children learn. From laundromats to groce...
2025-12-0335 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Disillusionment to Fulfillment: Teaching with the HEART...A Mindset by Dr. Joey WeislerIn this deeply personal solo segment, Dr. Joey Weisler traces the journey from his childhood dream of teaching, to the profound disillusionment he faced entering the classroom months after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy, to the transformation that led him toward resilience, boundary-setting, and wholehearted teaching.Drawing on stories from his first year in the classroom, his doctoral research, and the wisdom of his kindergarten teacher Ms. Lynch, Dr. Weisler introduces The H.E.A.R.T. Mindset—a trauma-informed, relationship-centered approach rooted in Habits, Engagement, Awareness, Resilience, and Telling Stories.This episode reframes what it...
2025-11-1920 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationThrillers, Humanity, and the Classroom: Inside the Mind of Author and Educator Lincoln James📘 Episode SynopsisIn this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with author and educator Lincoln James, whose work spans decades, genres, and emotional terrain. Known for his haunting thrillers and his compassionate presence in the classroom, Lincoln shares how his novels—We Are Human, Written Just for You, The Vanishing Eight, and more—explore the unspoken corners of grief, love, and identity. Together, they unpack how storytelling can be both a survival instinct and an act of healing, and why the same empathy that drives a good novel can transform how we teac...
2025-11-1227 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationSafe Enough: Redefining Healing, Safety, and Story with Dr. Jamie Marich📘 Episode Synopsis In this deeply reflective episode, Dr. Joey Weisler welcomes Dr. Jamie Marich—trauma specialist, expressive artist, author of over a dozen books, and founder of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. Together, they explore how trauma is not a life sentence but an unhealed wound that can mend through care, validation, and creative expression. From the limits of “safe space” language to the role of belonging, narrative, and authenticity in classrooms, this conversation bridges psychology and pedagogy with heart. Dr. Marich’s lived experience and clinical insight invite us to see healing as both personal and collective—...
2025-11-0528 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Two-Part Conversation With Dr. Matthew Arau: Circles, Culture, and the Power of GET (Pt II: The Outter-Work)Episodic SynopsisIn Part Two, Dr. Matthew Arau shares practical ways to transform classrooms through circles, peer-to-peer leadership, and his Power of GET — a mindset of gratitude, enthusiasm, and treasure that helps teachers and students thrive🔗 Featured Links & ResourcesPower of GET Discover Dr. Arau’s signature mindset shift — moving from “have to” to “get to” — with resources, stories, and tools to help you bring gratitude, enthusiasm, and treasure into your daily practice.Power of GET – Leadership Quiz Take a free 4-question quiz to uncover your GET leadership style (Grower, Energizer, or Trailblazer) and r...
2025-10-2941 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Two-Part Conversation With Dr. Matthew Arau: Joy, Trust, and the Inner Upbeat (Pt I: The Inner-Work)Episodic SynopsisIn Part One, Dr. Matthew Arau shares how educators can find joy and trust even in the midst of burnout. He unpacks the six human needs, the difference between joy and happiness, and why the inner work of mindset sets the tone for our classrooms.🔗 Featured Links & ResourcesPower of GET Discover Dr. Arau’s signature mindset shift — moving from “have to” to “get to” — with resources, stories, and tools to help you bring gratitude, enthusiasm, and treasure into your daily practice.Power of GET – Leadership Quiz Take a free 4-question qui...
2025-10-2221 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationBeyond Bias: Building Inclusive Classrooms and Counseling with Dr. Alex Fields📖 Episodic SynopsisIn this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler speaks with Dr. Alexander Fields—Assistant Professor of counselor education at Florida Atlantic University, licensed professional counselor, and nationally certified counselor. Together, they explore Dr. Fields' groundbreaking work in suicide prevention among young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), his BEAM curriculum (Bias Exploration and Awareness in Mental health diagnosis), and why systemic change is urgently needed in both education and mental health care.Listeners will hear practical strategies for trauma-informed classrooms, stories that reveal the hidden signs students use when...
2025-10-1540 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationRewriting the Stars – Music, Mental Health, and Youth Empowerment with Emma GEpisodic SynopsisIn this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with award-winning musician, author, and youth empowerment coach Emma G. From surviving ten brain surgeries to transforming classrooms through songwriting, Emma shares how music can help students process emotions, confront trauma, and reclaim their voice. Drawing from her Māori heritage, teaching background, and her Youth Empowerment Through Songwriting program, Emma offers educators practical ways to move beyond compliance-driven teaching toward safe, creative, and student-centered learning. This conversation blends artistry, resilience, and practical strategy for anyone passionate about reimagining education.
2025-10-0832 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Teacher to Attorney: Frances Shefter on Advocacy, Equity, and the Stress-Free IEP📘 **Episode Synopsis (for podcast directories):In this powerful episode, Dr. Joey Weisler welcomes Frances Shefter—former special education teacher turned education attorney—for a heartfelt conversation on what it means to advocate for students within (and often against) the system. As the founder of Shefter Law PA and the visionary behind the “Stress-Free IEP” method, Frances opens up about her journey from the classroom to the courtroom, shares the hard truths about bureaucratic barriers, and reminds educators and parents alike of the simple, radical idea: focus on the child. Whether you’re a teacher quietly trying to do what’s rig...
2025-10-0126 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Reckoning with School Safety: Chad Chaney on Courage, Accountability, and Prevention📘 Episodic Synopsis (for episode notes):What does school safety look like beyond metal detectors and fire drills? In this gripping and deeply personal episode, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Chad Chaney—Marine Corps veteran, retired law enforcement sergeant, and current school safety manager for Florida Virtual School—to explore what it truly means to keep students safe. After walking through the preserved crime scene at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Chad experienced a personal reckoning that redefined his mission: not just to prevent violence, but to hold systems accountable. From digital risk to trauma-informed strategy, this convers...
2025-09-2422 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Surviving to Teaching: Eleni Webster on Building Safer Classrooms Through Voice, Vulnerability, and Vision📖 Episodic Synopsis In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Eleni Webster—survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy, Master's student, and Graduate Teaching Assistant for Public Speaking courses at Florida Atlantic University. Together, they explore how trauma shapes pedagogy, why culturally and emotionally informed teaching matters, and how classrooms can become spaces for both safety and transformation. From socratic circles in the classroom to bringing student voice into class conversation, Eleni shares how her past informs her present, and how every student deserves to be seen...
2025-09-1729 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Grief to Growth: The Power of Perspective with Stephanie Kunkel⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of depression, suicidal ideation, and trauma, which may be distressing to some listeners.Disclaimer: The views expressed are not a substitute for professional mental health advice. Listener discretion is advised.📘 Episode SynopsisIn this powerful episode, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Stephanie Kunkel—leadership development expert, trauma-informed coach, and author of Perspectives Through Broken Glass—to explore the deep intersections of grief, resilience, and leadership. Stephanie shares her journey through suicidal ideation, motherhood, and healing, offering transformative insights into how we process trauma, reframe guilt, and...
2025-09-1031 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education“Lead with Love, Err on the Side of Kindness”: Art as a Lifeline with Traci Molloy✏️ Episodic SynopsisBrooklyn-based artist and educator Traci Molloy has spent over two decades creating collaborative art projects with youth impacted by trauma—from 9/11 to poverty, gun violence, and systemic injustice. In this deeply moving conversation, Traci reflects on her years as artist-in-residence at America’s Camp, her school-based healing initiatives post-COVID, and why collective artmaking is a sacred act of both mourning and joy. Through her mantra—“If you’re complacent, you’re complicit”—Traci reminds us that art is not a bonus in education; it’s essential.📚 Show NotesGet in touch with Traci and l...
2025-09-0346 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationWhen Stories Are Sacred: Teaching With Story, Safety, and Soul With Maria Bryan📘 Episodic SynopsisWhat does it mean to treat a story as sacred? In this powerful conversation, trauma-informed storyteller and strategist Maria Bryan joins Dr. Joey Weisler to reframe how educators, nonprofits, and changemakers gather and share stories—without causing harm. From concepts like story readiness and agency to classroom-based tools for nervous system regulation, this episode offers an honest, compassionate look at how to create storytelling spaces rooted in consent, care, and connection. Whether you're a teacher, nonprofit leader, or advocate, Maria’s words will challenge and ground your role as a listener and facilitator of lived experie...
2025-08-2727 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationBeyond Behavior: Recognizing the Wounds We Can’t See with Jheri South📘 Episodic Synopsis (for episode notes)When her son’s suicide attempt became the breaking point, Jheri South did what any mother would—she stepped in, learned everything she could about ADHD, and became the coach he needed to survive. In this gripping and compassionate conversation, Jheri opens up about raising seven neurodivergent children, confronting rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), and the powerful overlap between trauma and ADHD. If you've ever wondered whether your classroom reactions are helping or harming, this episode will shift the way you see—and support—your students.📋 Show Resources~Visit Jheri South's...
2025-08-2043 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationBeautifully Organized Chaos: Resigning for Safety, Rebuilding for Hope~SENSITIVE CONTENT WARNING~📘 Episodic Synopsis:When a fourth-grade student brought a weapon into her classroom, Amber—a dedicated teacher of 14 years—faced a decision no educator should ever have to make. Rather than "sweep it under the rug," she chose to speak up, advocate for her students, and walk away from a toxic system. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Amber (@beautifullyorganizedchaos) shares her harrowing experience, the emotional fallout that followed, and her powerful journey through post-traumatic growth. Now a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling, Amber is turning her pain into purpose—creating...
2025-08-1334 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationMaking Moments Matter: Weisler Alumni (Pt. I) — Mandy Lanier & Ryan Romero on Student Voice, Creativity, and Authentic Classrooms🎧 Episode Synopsis: In this special roundtable episode—the first in a new, ongoing Weisler Alumni series—Dr. Joey Weisler reconnects with two of his former eighth-grade students: Mandy Lanier, a dance and neuroscience major at the University of Florida, and Ryan Romero (aka DJ Romi), a communications major and campus DJ at Nova Southeastern University.Together, they reflect on what it means to be a student within—and beyond—a school system shaped by testing, trauma, and transformation. Mandy and Ryan offer honest insights about what helped, what hurt, and what stuck with them, speaking candidly ab...
2025-08-0640 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationA Reckoning with School Safety: Chad Chaney on Courage, Accountability, and Prevention📘 Episodic Synopsis (for episode notes):What does school safety look like beyond metal detectors and fire drills? In this gripping and deeply personal episode, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Chad Chaney—Marine Corps veteran, retired law enforcement sergeant, and current school safety manager for Florida Virtual School—to explore what it truly means to keep students safe. After walking through the preserved crime scene at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Chad experienced a personal reckoning that redefined his mission: not just to prevent violence, but to hold systems accountable. From digital risk to trauma-informed strategy, this convers...
2025-07-2422 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationThe Objects That Hold Us: Creating Reflective Spaces for Students with Brenda Cowan📘 Episodic Synopsis:In this deeply reflective episode, Dr. Joey Weisler is joined by Professor Brenda Cowan—author, theorist, and educator at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York city—to explore how everyday objects in classrooms, museums, and memory-laden spaces carry the power to heal. Through her groundbreaking framework Psychotherapeutic Object Dynamics, Cowan breaks down the seven ways people interact with objects in times of joy, trauma, and recovery—from associating and synergizing to releasing and composing. Together, they unpack how educators can build intentional, emotionally resonant environments that support both student and teacher well-bein...
2025-07-2332 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationOpen-Eared and Open-Hearted: Using Music as a Bridge for Student Well-Being📘 Episode SynopsisIn this powerful and resonant episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Guiliana Conti—music educator, researcher, and Director of Professional Development at Music Workshop—to explore how music transcends curriculum and becomes a lifeline for student connection, regulation, and identity. Through personal stories and practical insight, Dr. Conti reveals the neurological and emotional impact of music on trauma-affected learners and how even non-music educators can use sound to anchor safety and spark belonging in their classrooms. This episode is a must for anyone looking to deepen the emotion...
2025-07-0936 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationThe Pooped-Out Teacher in Loco Parentis: Dr. Dre on Presence, Consistency & Care📄 Episodic SynopsisIn this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Andrea Mata (aka Dr. Dre), a clinical child psychologist and founder of Bright Spot Families. From her transition out of academia to launching a high-impact private practice, Dr. Dre shares how presence, consistency, and adaptability are foundational for both parenting and teaching. Whether you're managing a classroom or raising kids, this episode is packed with straight talk and actionable advice to help you connect, guide, and grow with young minds. Plus, hear about the poop-inspired parenting book that’s mak...
2025-06-2532 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationOne Breath at a Time: Reclaiming Energy and Self in the Classroom with Kim Brooks📘 Episodic Synopsis:In this deeply reflective and empowering episode, Joey sits down with former educator and wellness guide Kim Brooks to unpack the reality of teacher burnout—and how educators can reclaim their energy without guilt. Drawing from nearly two decades in the classroom and her journey into breathwork, yoga, and healing, Kim shares practical tools and heartfelt wisdom to help educators slow down, set boundaries, and reconnect with themselves. Whether you’re in your first year or a seasoned teacher contemplating change, this conversation is your permission slip to pause and breathe.🔗 Resources...
2025-06-1129 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationBeyond the Crisis: Holding Space After Tragedy with Dr. Tom DeMaria📘 Episodic SynopsisIn this episode, Dr. Joey Weisler is joined by nationally recognized trauma expert Dr. Tom DeMaria to explore what it really means to support students and educators through loss. Drawing on decades of experience responding to crises like 9/11, Sandy Hook, and Parkland, Dr. DeMaria offers powerful insight into how grief shows up in schools—and how we can meet it with compassion, clarity, and care. As a senior consultant with the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB), Dr. DeMaria shares proven strategies for creating emotionally safe spaces and helping school communities heal. Together, they...
2025-06-0438 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationSafe, for Now: Boundaries, Dissonance, and the Cost of Caring with Megan Farison📖 Episodic Synopsis What does it mean to keep students safe—and what happens when it costs you everything? In this episode, I sit down with Megan Farison, author of Dissonance and a passionate music educator, to unpack the delicate intersections of trauma, boundaries, and educator resilience. Together, we explore what it looks like to build trust in the classroom while navigating the invisible scars of your own past. From micro-moments of connection to the macro-systems that fail our youth, this is a raw and necessary conversation for anyone who’s ever tried to do the right thing in an i...
2025-05-2847 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 41: Safe, for Now with Dr. Joey WeislerTraumatic events shape our lives in a multitude of ways. For Dr. Joey Weisler, the 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida was one of those events. In this episode, Dr. Joey opens up about his journey of transforming "scars into stars," and how his experiences have shaped the way he approaches student safety and well-being in the classroom.For additional resources see:Instagram@throneintheclassroom@classroomnarrativespodcastFacebookThe Throne in the ClassroomClassroom Narratives PodcastLinkedInJoseph WeislerWebsite
2025-05-2851 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationYour Brain is Not a Problem to Solve: Reimagining Giftedness and Failure with Dr. Matt Zakreski📘 Episode SynopsisIn this powerful and honest episode, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with clinical psychologist and neurodiversity advocate Dr. Matt Zakreski for a transformative conversation about what it really means to teach and support gifted and neurodivergent students. Together, they unpack failure, challenge superhero narratives in education, and explore how flexible pedagogy can create spaces where all kinds of minds are seen, supported, and celebrated. With stories from the classroom and the clinic, this episode is a candid reflection on how to change the narrative—not just for our students, but for ourselves.📝 Show Notes
2025-05-2138 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Trauma to Trust: Global Lessons in Humanizing Education with Supriya Budhiraja📝 Episode Synopsis What does trauma-informed education really look like on the front lines? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Joey Weisler speaks with Supriya Budhiraja, an educational leader and former Teach For India fellow, who shares raw stories from her classrooms in India—stories of resilience, systemic challenge, and radical compassion. From navigating classrooms filled with 60+ students to witnessing the emotional aftermath of poverty and abuse, Supriya reveals the universal truths that connect educators across continents. This episode bridges global perspectives on student safety, empathy, and how educators everywhere can be that “one champion” every child needs.📚 Show...
2025-05-1430 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationRealigning Education for Those Who Still Care: With Rob Macleod📝 Episodic Synopsis In this powerful conversation, Rob McLeod—educator, podcaster, and author of the forthcoming book Schools That Give a F—joins Joey to unpack the hidden forces that shape educational systems. From his international teaching experience to his deep dives into school culture and leadership, Rob explores how misalignment in values can lead to burnout, and how understanding the "types" of schools—Expert, Coach, Counselor, and Facilitator—can help educators reclaim purpose and direction. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran leader, this episode offers an actionable roadmap to find meaning and sustainability in your educatio...
2025-05-0722 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationBeyond the Blame Game: Rebuilding Lives and Systems That Care--With Nathan Wray📘 Episode SynopsisWhat happens when a student who’s expelled just weeks before graduation becomes a national voice for youth mental health and suicide prevention? In this powerful episode, Nathan Wray shares his deeply personal story of addiction, adversity, and transformation. From hitting rock bottom to winning the Tennessee Governor’s Award for Suicide Prevention, Nathan now leads with vulnerability and purpose. Whether you're a teacher, student, or advocate, this conversation is a guide to healing through empathy, second chances, and systems that care.📝 Show NotesGuest: Nathan Wray — Motivational speaker, teen mental health first...
2025-04-3041 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationCoaching the Whole Educator: With Hannah Judson📘 Episodic SynopsisIn this heartfelt and empowering episode, Dr. Joey Weisler welcomes Hannah Judson, ACC, an executive coach and head of coaching at CLICC, to explore how coaching transforms burnout into balance. With deep roots in art, education, and leadership, Hannah shares her unique journey and philosophy around coaching the "whole person"—not just their job title. Together, they discuss mental wellness, leadership clarity, and what educators can do to reclaim purpose during uncertain times.📝 Show Notes Meet Hannah Judson, ACC: Executive coach, educator, artist, and head of coaching at CLICC.Coaching vs. Training: A powerf...
2025-04-2322 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationLearning How to Learn: The teacher as an Influencer, as Explained by Rob Durant 📘 Episode Synopsis:What if being a great teacher means being a great salesperson—not in the traditional sense, but in how we influence, inspire, and connect? In this episode, Rob Durant, author of The Social Enablement Blueprint: Stop Pitching, Start Selling, joins Dr. Joey Weisler to explore how the roles of educator, mentor, and salesperson intersect in powerful and surprising ways. From his start at Disney to teaching math and leading in sales education, Rob shares how communication, authenticity, and adaptability shape the modern classroom—and why treating others the way they want to be treated is the key...
2025-04-1629 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationThe Happier Teacher: Building Resilience Through SEL and Self-Care With Erin ShookEpisode 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...
2025-04-0923 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Burnout to Breakthrough: How Positive Psychology is Rewiring Classrooms with Phil Januszewski📘 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...
2025-04-0231 min
Reinventing EducationEP 128 Dr. Joey Weisler Trauma In Our ClassroomsDr. Joey Weisler dives into the impact of trauma in our education system. We’ll explore the role of educators—what it is, what it isn’t—and the important distinction between your classroom being a therapeutic environment versus trying to provide therapy for students.
Connect with Dr. Joseph Weisler
Website
Linkedin
Social media handles--instagram @classroomnarratives and @throneintheclassroom.
Listen to his Classroom Narratives podcast here or watch the latest short for "The Throne in the Classroom" series here.
Receive Joey’s Trauma informed handout for educators here.
Here are...
2025-03-3051 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationHelping Students Find Their Voice: The Educator as a Caregiver, As Told By Bonnie Fox and InnaRae Guy📘 **Episodic SynopsisIn 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:
2025-03-2649 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationNavigating Burnout and Building Resilience As a Student in Higher Education: A Conversation with Mario CornejoEpisodic 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 sp...
2025-03-1925 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationBeyond the Text: Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Learning with Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf📖 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...
2025-03-1236 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationPreparing Future Educators with Dr. Michael Dieter: Beyond Discipline and Toward Meaningful TeachingEpisodic Synopsis:In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Michael Dieter, an assistant professor of education at Trinity Christian College and a former high school social studies teacher in Chicago. Together, they explore the realities of modern teaching, from the long-standing impact of zero-tolerance policies to the myths surrounding the "super-teacher" image in pop culture portrayals.Dr. Dieter provides invaluable insight into how pre-service teachers can prepare for the emotional and practical demands of the classroom. He discusses strategies for shifting from punitive discipline to trauma-informed...
2025-03-0527 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationChristine Hunschofsky – Leading with Compassion in Times of CrisisEpisodic SynopsisIn this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Florida State Representative and former Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky. Christine led her community through the aftermath of the tragic 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, offering unwavering support, advocacy, and a commitment to mental health awareness.Together, they discuss the importance of leadership in crisis, trauma-informed education, and how communities can come together to heal. Christine shares her personal journey, including how she navigated her own grief while serving others and the policies she continues to champion...
2025-02-2616 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationPreventing Tragedy: School Safety, Youth Suicide, and Mental Health with Dr. Scott PolandEpisode Synopsis (for podcast platforms):In this powerful episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Dr. Scott Poland, an internationally recognized expert in school safety, crisis intervention, and youth suicide prevention. Dr. Poland shares firsthand insights from his work with school communities after tragedies like the Parkland school shooting, offering critical strategies for educators, parents, and leaders to foster resilience and prevent future violence. He also discusses warning signs of youth suicide, the role of schools in mental health, and how communities can break the silence around these crucial issues. Tune...
2025-02-1933 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationMarjory’s Garden: Healing, Education, and Sustainability with Kyle JeterIn this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with astronomy teacher and environmental advocate Mr. Kyle Jeter from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As the visionary behind Marjory’s Garden, a thriving outdoor learning space dedicated to sustainability and healing, Mr. Jeter shares how a simple idea blossomed into a powerful symbol of resilience and education.Join us as we explore how this green space (developed in 2016) has helped students and educators heal, integrate STEM and arts education, and foster a renewed sense of community after the tragic events of 2018. This co...
2025-02-1226 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationVoices of Archived Legacies: Reflecting on Leadership and the State of Education in the Mid-20th Century With Francine Langer-Weisler In this special archived conversation, host Dr. Joey Weisler honors the remarkable legacy of his grandmother, Francine Langer-Weisler, an educator whose career spanned over 40 years in New York City schools.Recorded in March 2022, this episode takes us back in time to explore education in the 20th century, from classrooms during the Great Depression to progressive teaching methods in post-war America. Francine shares her earliest inspirations, the challenges of being a young teacher, and the evolution of the education system throughout her career.Francine shares her early inspirations, the struggles of being a young teacher, and...
2025-02-0525 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationThe Educulture Revolution: Lessons in Leadership from Mike EarnshawEpisodic SynopsisIn this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, we sit down with Mike Earnshaw, a visionary school principal, author of The Educulture Cookbook, and co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms Podcast. Mike shares his journey of intertwining the ethos of punk rock—authenticity, passion, and collaboration—with educational leadership. Discover actionable "recipes" for fostering empathy, relationships, and student voice in the classroom while avoiding burnout. Whether you're a new teacher, a veteran educator, or simply curious about blending culture and pedagogy, this episode offers a fresh perspective on transforming schools into thriving communities.
2025-01-2933 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationThe i'Mpossible Journey: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Advocacy with Josh RivedalEpisodic SynopsisIn this compelling episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, we sit down with mental health advocate, author, and founder of the i'Mpossible Project, Josh Rivedal. Josh shares his personal journey through grief, resilience, and advocacy, discussing how storytelling and community-building can change the way we address mental health and suicide prevention in education. From actionable strategies for educators to the importance of safe language, this episode is a deep dive into fostering compassionate, trauma-informed learning environments. Whether you're an educator, student, or mental health ally, this conversation offers vital insights and hope....
2025-01-2219 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationLeaning Into the Storm: Grief, Healing, and Resilience with Maria BelanicEpisodic Synopsis:In this heart-opening episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Dr. Joey Weisler sits down with Maria Belanic, a certified grief educator who has turned profound personal loss into a calling to help others navigate grief and emotional exhaustion. Maria shares her journey through loss, her transformation into a grief educator, and actionable insights on resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing grief in educational and professional spaces, offering tools to foster connection and healing.SHOW NOTES:
2025-01-1523 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationResilience and Reflection: Launching Season 2 with Stories That Heal (with composition thought leader Dr. Joey Weisler) In the Season 2 premiere of the Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education podcast, Dr. Joey Weisler, podcast host and thought-leader in the field of English and writing, reflects on the transformative journey of the past season of guests, while setting the stage for a powerful new season.This episode celebrates the impactful voices featured in previous episodes, such as educators, students, and trauma scholars, and dives into personal milestones, including Joey's successful dissertation defense, along with the debut of a short film from his personal biopic works, titled, "The Throne in the Classroom". Listeners are invited to explore...
2025-01-0807 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom Silence to Strength: Breaking the Sound Barrier of Trauma Through Literature (a university student panel)In this season finale of The Classroom Narratives Podcast, we’re joined by students from St. John’s University’s Honors Global Literature class for a profound discussion on the intersection of trauma, storytelling, and resilience. These bright minds share their reflections on the literary works explored this semester—ranging from Speak to Maus—and discuss the critical role stories play in processing trauma. Through thoughtful dialogue, the students explore trauma-informed education and the “speaking wound” as a transformative concept for creating safe, healing spaces in classrooms. Join us as we unpack these lessons and consider how educators and students alike...
2024-12-1817 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationEmpowering Educators: Breaking Free from the Superhero Narrative with Jen RaffertyEpisodic Synopsis:In this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Joey Weisler sits down with Jen Rafferty, founder of Empowered Educator and certified emotional intelligence practitioner. Together, they unpack the myths of the "superhero teacher" narrative and explore actionable strategies for overcoming burnout. Jen shares her journey from a music teacher to a leading advocate for teacher well-being, emphasizing the critical role emotional intelligence plays in fostering healthier school communities. Listen in for empowering insights that will help you prioritize your well-being and create lasting change in education. Show Notes:Introduction: Welcoming Jen Rafferty, a...
2024-12-1130 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationBreaking Free of Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Authenticity and Confidence with Caren CooperShow NotesIntroduction to Caren Cooper: Caren Cooper joins Classroom Narratives to discuss her work as a trauma-informed mindset coach. With a mission to empower women, Caren uses a unique blend of neuroscience, somatic work, and trauma-informed practices to help individuals overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.Defining Imposter Syndrome: Caren breaks down the concept of imposter syndrome and how it often manifests in educators, creating self-doubt and limiting beliefs that hold many back from embracing their authentic selves.Mind-Body Connection and Somatic Practices: Caren explains her methods, including breathwork, movement, and other somatic practices, to release trauma and...
2024-12-0420 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationLiterature as a Lifeline: Building Resilience and Healing Through Trauma-Informed Teaching with Colleen CrisanLISTENER'S NOTE: THIS EPISODE INCLUDES EXPLICIT CONTENT Show NotesIntroduction Joey introduces Colleen Crisan, a trauma-informed educator with nearly 20 years of experience, who taught near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the Parkland tragedy.Early Teaching Experiences Colleen shares insights from her early teaching days, emphasizing the importance of adapting literature choices to connect with students from diverse backgrounds.Trauma-Informed Practices Colleen discusses using literature like A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park to help students empathize and understand new perspectives, especially following events like the Parkland tragedy.Mental Health and Resilience in Schools...
2024-11-2026 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationVoices of Resilience: Paula Reed on Healing Through Education After ColumbineLISTENER'S NOTE: THIS EPISODE INCLUDES EXPLICIT CONTENT Episodic SynopsisIn this poignant episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Joey Weisler interviews Paula Reed, a veteran educator from Columbine High School. Paula shares her experiences from over 32 years in teaching, especially navigating the challenges post-tragedy. Delving into her journey of resilience and advocacy for trauma-informed education, Paula reflects on the literature she uses to facilitate healing in the classroom, like The Catcher in the Rye, The Scarlet Letter, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. They also discuss impactful texts like The Hate U Give, The...
2024-11-1319 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationVoices of Resilience: Sarah Lerner on Healing, Advocacy, and Parkland SpeaksLISTENER'S NOTE: THIS EPISODE INCLUDES EXPLICIT CONTENT Episodic SynopsisIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Sarah Lerner, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School teacher and editor of the anthology Parkland Speaks, which captures the voices of students and educators in the aftermath of the Parkland tragedy. Through reflections and stories, Sarah shares the journey of creating this work to help others process trauma and find hope. We discuss the lasting impact of Parkland Speaks, the importance of trauma-informed education, and Sarah's advocacy through Teachers Unified to End Gun Violence. Join us as we...
2024-11-0619 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationEmpathy in Action: Transforming Students' Lives Through Literature with Enma LeyvaEpisodic SynopsisIn this episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Joey Weisler interviews Enma Leyva, a veteran high school English teacher from Broward County, Florida, with over 17 years of experience. Enma shares her innovative approach to literacy, focusing on the power of empathy in storytelling and how it can transform students' lives. Together, they discuss how literature, like Ayn Rand’s Anthem and Lois Lowry’s The Giver, helps students navigate personal struggles and foster resilience. Enma’s emphasis on building strong relationships through journaling and creative projects, such as the Broward County Literary Fair, provides practi...
2024-10-3016 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationTrauma-Informed Classrooms: Insights from a Caregiver and Therapist, Pamela RosenblumIn this episode of Classroom Narratives Healing in Education, host Joey Weisler sits down with Pamela Rosenblum, a trauma therapist with over 38 years of experience. Pamela opens up about her experience as a caregiver for her late husband, who battled Lewy Body Dementia, and shares her insights on trauma’s impact in educational settings. Together, they explore how educators can implement trauma-informed practices to support both students and teachers. Pamela also offers practical techniques to help manage stress and prevent burnout. Whether you're an educator, caregiver, or mental health advocate, this episode provides valuable guidance on fostering resilience in th...
2024-10-2326 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationFrom 9/11 to the Classroom: Resilience and Healing with Charlene and Richie SchwarzkopfIn this deeply moving episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing and Education, host Joey Weisler is joined by Charlene and Richie Schwarzkopf, who recount their experiences surrounding the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Richie provides a firsthand account of being at One Liberty Plaza, across from the World Trade Center, while Charlene shares how her home video, The Days After 9/11 (find link in show notes), served as a tool for both personal healing and collective memory.This episode explores the complexities of trauma, memory, and healing, drawing on key theoretical frameworks from trauma scholars Shoshana Felman and Dori Laub...
2024-10-1621 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationRebuilding and Supporting Mental Health in Schools with Monica LangerIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Monica Langer, a licensed mental health counselor from New York City, to explore the critical need for trauma-informed practices in schools. Monica shares her personal journey, reflecting on her own challenges as a student and now as a counselor. She reveals the profound impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on students’ mental health, the increase in anxiety disorders, and the coping mechanisms that can make a difference in post-pandemic education. Tune in to learn about essential strategies for supporting students emotionally, fostering resilience, and collaborating effectively with teachers to address me...
2024-10-0920 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationNarratives of Healing: Exploring Trauma and Mental Health Through Film and Writing~Featuring Patrick Zwosta, PhDIn this compelling episode, Dr. Patrick Zwosta, a scholar of English and film studies, joins Joey to explore the intersection of trauma, narrative healing, and education. Drawing from his research on 1980s action films and themes like nuclear threat and consumerism, Patrick shares how pop culture and literature offer unique tools to foster resilience and emotional growth in the classroom. Discover how teachers can embrace trauma-informed practices and use storytelling to create meaningful change. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on burnout, healing, and the transformative power of film and writing.SHOW NOTES: #Th...
2024-10-0218 min
Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education Stepping into the classroom – An introduction to the "Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education" podcast journey with host Joey Weisler In this first episode of Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, host Joey Weisler introduces himself and shares his personal journey as a teacher navigating the modern educational landscape. Joey reflects on the anticipation and excitement of becoming an educator, alongside the realities of burnout, school trauma, and the healing that comes through informed and compassionate teaching.This solo episode sets the stage for future conversations, with Joey exploring what it means to be a teacher in today’s complex world, and how educators can use narrative, vulnerability, and trauma-informed practices to not only survive but thrive in th...
2024-09-1914 min