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 the classroom.

Key Takeaways:

• The personal motivations behind starting Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education
• Joey’s own experiences with teacher burnout and how he overcame it
• Introduction to trauma-informed education and why it's essential for both educators and students
• Reflections on the power of storytelling as a healing tool in education

What to Expect in Future Episodes: This episode kicks off a series of conversations with educators, mental health professionals, and students on the frontlines of educational transformation. Stay tuned for interviews with special guests and real-world stories that highlight the critical changes needed in classrooms today.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! Share your own stories of resilience, challenges, or reflections on teaching by connecting with us on social media or leaving a review. Your voice matters in this community of educators.

REFERENCES: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland FL, mass violence, suicide, burnout, trauma-informed education, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Kathryn Stockett's "The Help", Edgar Allen Poe's "El Dorado", Dr. Seuss's "I Had Trouble in Finding my Way To Solla Sollew", Lisa Tyler "Narratives of Pain" (1999 article)

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