Teaching through Emotions: psychological strategies and resources for educators

<p>God knows I am no fundraiser. Actually, neither is my guest, Erin McQuade-Wright — at least, not anymore. Erin used to be a fundraiser for non-profits and even has a podcast called <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-podcasts-trailers-for-new-and-noteworthy-shows/id1678032422">The Brave and Balanced Fundraiser</a> (which shares psychodynamic wisdom on how to survive that difficult job). But now she’s a coach who helps people of all types live vital lives. (Her company is called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vitalistcoaching.com">Vitalist Coaching</a>.) In this episode, Erin and I talk about our areas of overlap (hint: it’s a large region) and revel in our delight in talking about emotion work, healthy relationships, and the wisdom of psychodynamics.</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>Personality Types:</strong> Enneagrams and their usefulness in learning about ourselves</p><p>* <strong>Somatic Knowing:</strong> Brain vs. body knowledge and the half-life of an emotion</p><p>* <strong>Emotional Lives:</strong> How much emotion is allowed in a classroom? How can we manage big emotions? How can we turn difficult feelings into freedom and space to be real?</p><p>* <strong>Definition of Self-Care:</strong> How dealing with negative emotions helps us fill up so we can be present and resilient</p><p>* <strong>Nourishment Barriers:</strong> How are you resistant to joy and why is that bad for you?</p><p>* <strong>How Does Burnout Work for You?</strong> Are you singing the burnout song with a chorus of colleagues? </p><p><strong>Connect & Share</strong></p><p><strong>Got a story to share?</strong> How are you managing your emotions at this point in the school year? 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>Or send me an email! <a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></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><a target="_blank" href="https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/">Enneagram</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.heartmath.org">HeartMath Institute</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.vitalistcoaching.com">Vitalist Coaching</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>As y’all probably know, I’m a big fan of caring in education. But, thanks to today’s guest, Rachel Branham, a veteran Teacher Support Group participant who’s now working in higher education, we get to consider the downsides of caring, too. What if you’re not a particularly “squishy” person? What if you don’t want to be “in the shit” with your students all the time? What does caring look like for you? How does a natural inclination to detach serve you and your students?</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>This is such a fun and stimulating conversation! Applicable to anyone who, well, cares. I hope you enjoy it!</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>Caring vs. Controlling: </strong>Sliding along the continuum between “squishy” teaching and detachment.</p><p>* <strong>Alienation from Big Emotions:</strong> When students are joyous or chaotic, feeling outside of their world and not knowing what to do about it.</p><p>* <strong>Students’ (and Teachers’) Psychological Needs:</strong> Do all students need or want to be seen? How can teachers love students who are causing them pain?</p><p>* <strong>Setting Boundaries:</strong> When and how do you tamp down exuberance when students are “coloring outside the lines”? Where are those “magical lines” in the first place?</p><p><strong>Connect & Share</strong></p><p><strong>Got a story to share?</strong> How do <em>you</em> balance care with detachment? How do you find and navigate the “magical line” between them? 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>Or, if you’re a millennial and hate using the phone (like Rachel), send me an email! <a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></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><a target="_blank" href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/p/care-and-love-in-education-the-case-73a">Radical Love: Rethinking care and professional love in the classroom</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.teachingthroughemotions.com/p/pre-school-teachers-have-it-right">Pedagogy Basics: What educators can learn from early childhood teachers</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9780807783566">Dream Keepers: Comic Edition</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>How can it be that teachers all over the country <em>want to be observed</em>? How can it be that observations of their teaching bring teachers <em>joy</em>? </p><p>Today I’m conversing with Craig Randall, founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://trustbased.com">Trust-Based Observations</a> and expert in the art of supporting teachers in improving their practice. We go “pretty dang deep,” as Craig put it. Which is good, because classroom observations are super important and are too rarely done well.</p><p>Until now!</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><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><p>We discuss</p><p>* <strong>Building Trust:</strong> The wisdom of focusing on accumulating “trust marbles” before offering suggestions for improvement</p><p>* <strong>Strengths-Based Observations:</strong> The importance of battling the deficit mentality and emphasizing teachers’ strengths</p><p>* <strong>Coaching vs. Fixing:</strong> How to short-circuit the typical fix-them orientation</p><p>* <strong>The History of Teacher Observation:</strong> How we got here (hint: It’s partly <em>A Nation at Risk</em>’s fault!)</p><p><strong>Connect & Share</strong></p><p><strong>Got a story to share?</strong> Tell me a story of a disastrous observation! Or tell me about one that made you glow with confidence and happiness. 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><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 links</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.northshire.com/book/9781475853568">Trust-Based Observations</a> (the book)</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://trustbased.com">Trust-Based Observation</a> (the website)</p><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/">EMDR</a>: Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing</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> <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 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>