We speak with Shayla Ewing, English and drama teacher in Pekin, Illinois, about supporting teachers experiencing secondary and primary trauma, which the pandemic intensified. We also talk about the how and why of teaching about white privilege in an all-white classroom.
Overview
00:00-00:44 Intros
00:44-02:23 Becoming a Pekin High School English and drama teacher
02:23-03:40 Teach Plus Illinois
03:40-04:46 “Compassion fatigue Is overwhelming educators”
04:46-06:54 Symptoms and contributing factors of compassion fatigue
06:54-10:46 Recommendations for compassion fatigue healing, including things to do and not to do
10:46-13:19 Healing for teachers’ own trauma
13:19-16:38 Support for teachers and students in crises
16:38-20:29 Rewards for working unsustainable hours
20:29-24:05 Incorporating educator well-being into educational initiatives
24:05-29:04 Talking about white privilege in all-white classes
29:04-32:57 Students’ reactions
32:57-35:21 Parents’ reactions
35:21-40:11 Outro
Transcription
Click here to see the full transcript of this episode.
Soundtrack by Poddington Bear