Managing Student Trauma Dumps with Care with Denver Riley and Lauren Antonio

In this episode Denver Riley and Lauren Antonio join me for a heartfelt and humorous discussion about teaching, empathy, and navigating unexpected challenges. From recounting chaotic airport experiences in Newark to exploring the emotional weight teachers carry in the classroom, we reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for students. We also share anecdotes about students’ "trauma dumps," our strategies for fostering emotional well-being through initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays, and the challenges of staying neutral during heated election seasons. Takeaways: Empathy is a Skill: Teachers often find themselves as emotional pillars for their students, making empathy a crucial skill that many educators refine daily. Navigating Student Trauma: Teachers frequently act as the first point of contact for students dealing with deep emotional burdens, especially early in the school day. Wellness Wednesdays Make a Difference: Creating weekly moments for stress relief, like walks or coloring, helps students and teachers decompress from the pressures of academic life. Teachers as Role Models: Students look to teachers during uncertain times, such as election seasons, for stability and guidance on managing emotions. Balancing Personal and Professional: Educators must navigate their own feelings while supporting students, often requiring them to leave personal stress at the door. — Want to Learn more about Denver Riley and Lauren Antonio? Instagram: @keepingupwithms.b_ & @msantonioec Tiktok: @keepingupwithms.b_ — Don’t be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.com and podcasterandrea.com Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — A Human Content Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Welcome to “Those Who Can’t Do" with host Andrea Forcum (aka Educator Andrea on TikTok), a former high school teacher and now professor at Indiana State University. Each week, hang out in our podcast faculty lounge as Andrea trades notes with teachers, professors, students, politicians, and maybe even some celebrities as we explore what makes a great educator. Along the way, we’ll spotlight heroes, trade resources, share hilarious classroom war stories, and, most importantly, encourage one another as we shape the leaders, innovators, and future of our world. Teaching may be hard, but it’s as rewarding as it is challenging. The one thing it’s not… is driven by those who can’t do!