Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education

Episodic 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 f...

Show Notes Introduction 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...

LISTENER'S NOTE: THIS EPISODE INCLUDES EXPLICIT CONTENT Show Notes Introduction 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 c...

LISTENER'S NOTE: THIS EPISODE INCLUDES EXPLICIT CONTENT Episodic Synopsis In 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 tr...

LISTENER'S NOTE: THIS EPISODE INCLUDES EXPLICIT CONTENT Episodic Synopsis In 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...

Episodic Synopsis In 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, l...

In 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-i...

In 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 li...

In 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...

In 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...

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 s...