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 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 Giver, Push, and Maus, highlighting how stories can guide students through trauma. Together, Joey and Paula explore how educators can create spaces that allow students to confront and process their emotions. Paula’s insights provide hope and inspiration for educators committed to fostering resilience in their classrooms.

Show Notes

Key Points Covered:

1. Introduction of Paula Reed – Acknowledging her experience as a Columbine High School educator and her journey in trauma-informed education.
2. Pre-Columbine Littleton – Paula describes the culture of safety in Littleton, CO, before the 1999 tragedy.
3. Columbine and Beyond – Insights into her work with at-risk youth and the changes post-tragedy.
4. Grief and Trauma in Education – Paula’s approach to helping students process grief and create supportive spaces in classrooms.
5. The Role of Literature in Healing:
   • The Catcher in the Rye – Exploring shared experiences through Holden Caulfield.
   • The Scarlet Letter – Lessons on public shaming and its relevance in modern social media.
   • Speak – Understanding trauma’s impact on finding one’s voice.
6. Building a Trauma Toolkit – Discussing the importance of selectively carrying burdens and setting boundaries to manage trauma effectively.
7. Navigating Post-Trauma Identity – Paula’s advice on allowing students space for vulnerability and empathy.
8. Final Reflection – Paula’s ongoing role in activism, supporting other communities in similar struggles, and her commitment to healing through storytelling.

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 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 explore the profound themes of resilience, advocacy, and the ongoing struggle for change.

Show Notes (Key Points and Ideas)

• Introduction to Parkland Speaks: Sarah Lerner discusses her role as editor of Parkland Speaks, an anthology that captures the raw emotions of students and educators after the Parkland shooting. Link to Parkland Speaks
• Inspiration Behind the Anthology: A look into how and why Sarah created Parkland Speaks with contributors, including students, faculty, and survivors.
• Connection with Other Advocates: Sarah reflects on her friendships with other survivor teachers, including Abby Clements from Sandy Hook and Amy Stevens from Oxford High School, underscoring the shared narratives across different tragedies.
• Unique Contributions: From Stacey Lippel's congressional testimony, Nothing Bad Ever Happens in Parkland (Link) to Emma Gonzales’ "We Call BS" speech, Sarah highlights pivotal works within the anthology.
• Importance of Trauma-Informed Education: Sarah advocates for a trauma-informed approach in schools, emphasizing the need for proper support systems and mental health resources.
• Advocacy Through Teachers Unified to End Gun Violence: Sarah shares the mission behind this organization, co-founded with Abby Clements and Sari Beth Rosenberg, giving teachers a voice in the fight against gun violence.
• Final Reflections on Resilience and Hope: Sarah underscores the need for trauma-informed practices and self-care for educators, as well as the power of advocacy in creating safer learning environments.

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence is a grassroots organization co-founded by educators, including Sarah Lerner, Abby Clements, and Sari Beth Rosenberg. This organization aims to amplify teachers' voices in the gun control debate, particularly because educators are frequently the first responders during school shootings. Teachers Unify advocates for meaningful policy changes to prevent gun violence in schools and supports teachers navigating the trauma and challenges that come from experiencing such violence firsthand.

Teachers Unify Podcast

The Teachers Unify Podcast is a platform that gives educators a space to discuss the impact of gun violence on schools and the mental health and safety of teachers and students. Hosted by Sarah Lerner and other co-founders of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence, the podcast features conversations on the realities of school shootings, the importance of trauma-informed practices in education, and the ongoing fight for safe learning environments.

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, 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 practical insights for educators seeking to inspire and engage their students in meaningful ways.

Show Notes

1. Introduction to Enma Leyva (00:00:00) - Joey introduces his guest, Enma Leyva, and highlights her 17 years of teaching experience, specializing in English literacy.
2. Literary Empathy and Character Development (00:01:24) - Discussion on Tim Gillespie’s ideas on how empathy and emotional connection in literature impact student success, as well as Enma’s personal philosophy on the stories that resonate most with her students.
3. Relating Literature to Real-Life Struggles (00:03:07) - Enma shares how stories of struggle, like The Outsiders (S. E. Hinton) and Anthem, (Ayn Rand) reflect her students' personal battles, making literature a mirror for their growth.
4. Building Grace in the Classroom (00:05:06) - Conversation on the importance of teaching students to offer grace to themselves and others through storytelling. Reference made to Patrick Zwosta's episode (segment #2) on the "Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education" podcast.
5. Engaging Students with Anthem and The Giver (00:06:13) - Joey and Enma explore how these texts provoke deep emotional reactions, encouraging students to confront societal norms and personal identity.
6. The Role of Data and Relationships in Education (00:07:58) - Enma speaks about balancing data-driven education with meaningful relationship-building, advocating for an applied approach to knowledge in the classroom.
7. Student Engagement Through Creative Projects (00:09:55) - Highlighting Enma's approach to motivating students with the Broward County Literary Fair and how winning these competitions boosts their confidence.
8. Combatting Burnout Through Journaling (00:11:01) - Enma shares her use of journaling as a tool for self-care and emotional expression, both for students and herself as a teacher.
9. Character Education and Empathy in Literature (00:12:58) - Discussion about infusing character traits into lessons, focusing on empathy, fairness, and responsibility.
10. Final Thoughts on Educational Healing (00:14:32) - Enma shares a final takeaway on the importance of communication, empathy, and resilience in creating a brighter future for education.