Teaching through Emotions: psychological strategies and resources for educators

<p>In my experience, most teachers — hell, most people — don’t want to admit they hate anyone. “Hate,” they say, “is a strong word.”</p><p>As if there’s a problem with strong words. (Like “love,” for example.)</p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p>But people do hate. And when they hate irresponsibly, when they refuse to process that feeling and assume it has more to do with the object of their hatred than with themselves, they can do grave damage.</p><p>In this episode, Joe and I talk with a wonderfully open, self-aware teacher, storyteller, and entrepreneur who also happens to be a good friend of mine, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.connectconvivo.com/about">Hari Kumar.</a> It’s a great story about hate, teaching, self-correction, and hope.</p><p><em>Listen now on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-through-emotions/id1589863153"><strong><em>Apple Podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>, </em></strong><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1SHSUCix3g2TVeAUXlSFfg"><strong><em>Spotify</em></strong></a><em>, or </em><a target="_blank" href="https://pod.link/1589863153"><strong><em>wherever you get your podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p><p>We discuss</p><p><strong>Teacher Sarcasm:</strong> Why it might be a red flag for teacher burnout</p><p><strong>Teaching Philosophy:</strong> Hari’s four pillars of teaching, a pedagogical framework</p><p><strong>Cat Shit vs. Bullshit:</strong> Which one does a teacher want?</p><p><strong>Embracing “Almostness”:</strong> What to do with not knowing and how it can transform your student relationships</p><p><strong>Teaching Community:</strong> Thinking about the support systems teachers need</p><p><strong>Connect & Share</strong></p><p><strong>Got a story to share?</strong> What do <em>you</em> hate? I’d love to hear! Leave me a voicemail at <strong>(413) 239-4158</strong> and we might feature your perspective in a future episode!</p><p><strong>Support the Show:</strong> If this conversation resonated, please consider leaving a rating or review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps others find us.</p><p><strong>Get full access to the community:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a></p><p>External links</p><p>bell hooks <a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780415908085">Teaching to Transgress</a></p><p>bell hooks <a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780415968188">Teaching Community</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.thosewhocantteachanymore.com">Those Who Can’t Teach Anymore</a></p><p>Credits</p><p>Founder and Host: Betsy Burris</p><p>Co-Host: Joe Johnson</p><p>Producer: Jullian Androkae of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision">PodVision</a></p><p>Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision">PodVision</a></p><p>Music: Tom Burris/Jabbering Trout</p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>

<p>This one’s for the leaders.</p><p>In this episode, I talk with a most amazing psychotherapist and “Leadership Whisperer,” Jerry Fromm. Jerry does organizational consulting, which means he helps people figure out (as I put it) what the hell is happening psychodynamically within their walls — or within their societies! or countries! since he works with individuals and groups domestically and internationally as well. He does quite remarkable work and tells lots of fascinating stories in today’s conversation, stories that will make teachers and school leaders think differently about themselves and the school cultures they’re a part of.</p><p>Many schools are rethinking their cultures. But I promise you: Jerry’s perspective will make you think in a way you could never have imagined.</p><p><em>Listen now on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-through-emotions/id1589863153"><strong><em>Apple Podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>, </em></strong><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1SHSUCix3g2TVeAUXlSFfg"><strong><em>Spotify</em></strong></a><em>, or </em><a target="_blank" href="https://pod.link/1589863153"><strong><em>wherever you get your podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p><strong>We discuss</strong></p><p>* <strong>The Clinical Is Missing</strong>: A simple and amazing definition of “clinical” makes Jerry’s (and TTE’s) psychodynamic work relevant to schools.</p><p>* <strong>The Sentient Level of Organizations</strong>: How, in the psychological dynamics of systems, contagious unprocessed feelings define the school culture.</p><p>* <strong>Playing Roles</strong>: Managing the “invitations flying around” all organizations to fit with others in familiar ways.</p><p>* <strong>Different Types of Organizations</strong>: What are narcissistic organizations? What are dependent organizations?</p><p>* <strong>The Power of Pictures</strong>: What drawing a picture of your organization with you in it can reveal.</p><p>External Links</p><p>For information on Group Relations Conferences and Leading from Experience, go to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.csgss.org">The Center for the Study of Groups and Social Systems</a>.</p><p>To get in touch with Jerry, email him at [email protected].</p><p>Yep, I’m biased: I am certain that teaching is spiritual. Not because teachers need to be <em>religious</em> but because the tasks of teaching human beings require heart-based skills: faith, care, love, “unconditional positive regard for difference” — skills that do not necessarily come naturally all the time and therefore demand care and attention themselves.</p><p>In this episode, I explore this question and others with Mark Longhurst, an inspiring pastor, writer, and publications manager for Richard Rohr’s <a target="_blank" href="https://cac.org/">Center for Action and Contemplation</a>. Together, we explore how to view teaching (and parenting) not just as a task list, but as a spiritual practice.</p><p>Listen now on <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-through-emotions/id1589863153">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1SHSUCix3g2TVeAUXlSFfg">Spotify</a><strong>, or </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://pod.link/1589863153"><strong>wherever you get your podcasts</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p><p>* <strong>Flowing with chaos:</strong> How to stay grounded when the classroom (or home) feels out of control.</p><p>* <strong>The “holy ordinary”:</strong> Why the most mundane moments hold the most spiritual weight.</p><p>* <strong>Detachment for connection:</strong> The paradox of detaching from our “teacher identity” to develop healthy attachment with students.</p><p>* <strong>Somatic teaching:</strong> The importance of bringing a “settled body” into the classroom.</p><p>* <strong>Sacred spaces:</strong> The benefits, and perils, of viewing your classroom as holy ground.</p><p><strong>External Links</strong></p><p>the holy ordinary by Mark Longhurst (<a target="_blank" href="https://marklonghurst.substack.com/">Substack</a>)</p><p>The Holy Ordinary: A Way to God (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9781958972519">Book</a>)</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9781942094470">My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies</a> by Resmaa Menakem</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780593233863">Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness that Can Heal the World</a> by Dr. Jacqui Lewis</p><p><strong>Connect & Share</strong></p><p><strong>Got a story to share?</strong> Leave me a voicemail at <strong>(413) 239-4158</strong> and we might feature your perspective in a future episode!</p><p><strong>Support the Show:</strong> If this conversation resonated, please consider leaving a rating or review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps others find us.</p><p><strong>Get full access to the community:</strong> [<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe&#38;authuser=1">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>]</p><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><p>Founder and Host: Betsy Burris</p><p>Co-Host: Joe Johnson</p><p>Producer: Jullian Androkae of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Music: Tom Burris/<a target="_blank" href="https://jabberingtrout.com/">Jabbering Trout</a></p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>

<p>On the face of it, having a Teaching Assistant or any adult in the classroom is a boon, right? The more adults, the more expert help students can get, the better.</p><p>In theory, yes.</p><p>In practice, having a TA or an adult helper can feel like having too many chefs in the kitchen. Because it’s another person to manage — and that person is more likely to have ideas of their own about how to teach and manage students. Ideas that might not dovetail completely with the lead teacher’s. Which means more work for the lead teacher to either orient that adult every day or clean up after them. Or both.</p><p>In this episode, Joe and I talk with Sarah, a university Spanish teacher whose school has gifted her with a TA every semester for the past 10 years — and she’s still figuring out how to make the best use of the resource.</p><p><em>Listen now on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-through-emotions/id1589863153"><strong><em>Apple Podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>, </em></strong><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1SHSUCix3g2TVeAUXlSFfg"><strong><em>Spotify</em></strong></a><em>, or </em><a target="_blank" href="https://pod.link/1589863153"><strong><em>wherever you get your podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p><strong>We discuss</strong></p><p>* <strong>Mentoring TAs</strong>: Figuring out how to teach a teacher while simultaneously teaching students</p><p>* <strong>Sharing Expertise</strong>: Co-teaching as a unique source of information and wisdom</p><p>* <strong>Bridging Cultural Gaps</strong>: Managing a TA’s discomfort with your teaching style or philosophy</p><p>* <strong>Overcoming Student Anxiety</strong>: Planning ways to encourage students to make use of a TA effectively</p><p>It’s a really fun conversation! With a surprising axiom at the end that everyone should heed.</p><p><strong>Got a story to share?</strong> Leave me a voicemail at <strong>(413) 239-4158</strong> and we might feature your perspective in a future episode!</p><p><strong>Support the Show:</strong> If this conversation resonated, please consider leaving a rating or review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps others find us.</p><p><strong>Get full access to the community:</strong> [<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe&#38;authuser=1">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>]</p><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><p>Founder and Host: Betsy Burris</p><p>Co-Host: Joe Johnson</p><p>Producer: Jullian Androkae of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Music: Tom Burris/<a target="_blank" href="https://jabberingtrout.com/">Jabbering Trout</a></p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>

<p>In this episode, I’m joined by Carol Garboden Murray, director of the Wimpfheimer Laboratory Nursery School at Vassar College. She is a lifelong lover of the youngest children, ages 0 - 5, and thinks a lot about what it means to teach and care for them. Early childhood education, care, and love are very dear to my heart. I know that teachers of young children have special skills and talents that teachers at all levels should consider and adopt. I hope this interview inspires you to think about and adopt them for yourself!</p><p><em>Listen now on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-through-emotions/id1589863153"><em>Apple Podcasts</em></a><em>, </em><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1SHSUCix3g2TVeAUXlSFfg"><em>Spotify</em></a><em>, or </em><a target="_blank" href="https://pod.link/1589863153"><em>wherever you get your podcasts</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>We discuss:</p><p><strong>- Caring for vs. caring about:</strong> Why “caring about” social justice or education is easy, but the actual, physical labor of fostering healthy development is where the real work happens.</p><p><strong>- The neuroscience of caring:</strong> How high-level empathy is a blend of neurological functioning and intuitive, creative practice.</p><p><strong>- Limits of caring:</strong> An honest look at what happens when caregiving stops being “beautiful” and starts being exhausting.</p><p><strong>- Professional Love:</strong> Defining a radical framework for love in the classroom that goes beyond “niceness.”</p><p><strong>External Links</strong></p><p>Carol’s <a target="_blank" href="http://carolgarbodenmurray.com/">Website</a></p><p>Carol’s book, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=http://linktoyourbook.com&#38;authuser=3"><em>Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities</em></a></p><p><strong>Mentioned in this episode</strong></p><p>TTE episode with Sarah Becker: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/p/pre-school-teachers-have-it-right">Pre-school teachers have it right: Professional Love</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Feminine-Approach-Ethics-Education/dp/0520057473"><em>Caring: A Feminine Approach to Ethics and Moral Education</em></a> by Nel Noddings</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780369386793"><em>The Real Wealth of Nations</em></a> by Riane Eisler</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780062502896"><em>The Chalice and the Blade</em></a> by Riane Eisler</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780674970960"><em>A Different Voice</em></a> by Carol Gilligan</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15545727-awakening-the-inner-eye"><em>Awakening the Inner Eye: Intuition in Education</em></a> by Nel Noddings with Paul J. Shore</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780684717258"><em>I and Thou</em></a> by Martin Buber</p><p>Carol mentions other thinkers without specifying publications. If you’re curious about any of them, get in touch and I’ll ask Carol for links.</p><p><strong>Connect & Share</strong></p><p>Got a story to share? Is "Professional Love" a term you've used in your school? Or does the idea of "Radical Love" feel a bit too intense for the classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a voicemail at (413) 239-4158 and we might feature your perspective in a future episode!</p><p>Support the Show: If this conversation resonated, please consider leaving a rating or review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps others find us.</p><p>Get full access to the community: [<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe&#38;authuser=1">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>]</p><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><p>Founder and Host: Betsy Burris</p><p>Co-Host: Joe Johnson</p><p>Producer: Jullian Androkae of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Music: Tom Burris/<a target="_blank" href="https://jabberingtrout.com/">Jabbering Trout</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>

<p>I don’t think I have ever thought about the role of the ego in teaching. Until now! Thanks to an old student who wanted to talk with me about her ego, Joe and I dig into the tension between having self-regard (and being a little self-righteous) and maintaining amicable professional relationships.</p><p><em>Listen now on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-through-emotions/id1589863153"><strong><em>Apple Podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>, </em></strong><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1SHSUCix3g2TVeAUXlSFfg"><strong><em>Spotify</em></strong></a><em>, or </em><a target="_blank" href="https://pod.link/1589863153"><strong><em>wherever you get your podcasts</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p>Joe and I discuss</p><p>* <strong>Redefining Ego:</strong> Why the ego’s “bad rap” might be holding you back</p><p>* <strong>Managing Self-Righteousness:</strong> Practical tips for keeping professional relationships right — when you’re right, goddammit.</p><p>* <strong>Validating Expertise:</strong> How to handle the frustration of colleagues’ not appreciating the value of what you know.</p><p>* <strong>Teacher Objectification:</strong> Unpacking the emotional toll of being treated like a punching bag for all of society’s woes.</p><p>Needless to say, everybody has an ego, so this episode is relevant to everybody. Teachers and non-teachers alike!</p><p>Speaking of ego, I love this quote about TTE from Frank Racioppi of <a target="_blank" href="https://podalization.substack.com">Ear Worthy</a>:</p><p><strong>“I love that show. It’s one of the shows that does good in this world.”</strong> </p><p><p>Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p>External Link</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780765336439">The Emperor’s Blades</a></p><p><strong>Got a story to share?</strong> Leave me a voicemail at <strong>(413) 239-4158</strong> and we might feature your perspective in a future episode!</p><p><strong>Support the Show:</strong> If this conversation resonated, please consider leaving a rating or review on your podcast app. Your feedback helps others find us.</p><p><strong>Get full access to the community:</strong> [<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe&#38;authuser=1">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>]</p><p><strong>Credits</strong></p><p>Founder and Host: Betsy Burris</p><p>Co-Host: Joe Johnson</p><p>Producer: Jullian Androkae of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of <a target="_blank" href="https://pod.vision/">PodVision</a></p><p>Music: Tom Burris/<a target="_blank" href="https://jabberingtrout.com/">Jabbering Trout</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">www.teachingthroughemotions.com/subscribe</a>