A Union Teacher Leader’s Experience (Stephanie)

In this episode, Hallie and Joanna start out by discussing how they are doing - hey, educators, we are you - we are exhausted, too! Joanna shares how what we really need right now is stabilization in our schools: teaching about the foundation of sleep and the importance of water intake, nutrition, moving our body, and stress management. This leads them into discussing Adverse Childhood Experiences (things that prevent development and success) and Benevolent Childhood Experiences (protective factors that aid children when highly stressed). IMAGINE if the priority in education were in the benevolent childhood experience list … seriously imagine it!

Then we have Stephanie come on the podcast - eight year elementary teacher and local Union leader - to offer a calm and clear explanation of what she has experienced in the classroom and as a Union president. Her direct experience in the classroom with children has opened her eyes to how taking care of stressed children - like getting outdoors and going for a walk - are not prioritized and questioned. This mismatch of priorities led her to get involved with her local Union within a group called COME Forward (Caucus of Millenial Educators) and how the connection and work she did made her feel like she mattered. She was empowered to work towards ‘waving the flag’ to let those in charge know that something ‘needs to give’ within education. As a local Union leader, she’s been able to grow professionally and has kept her in the teaching profession this long. We are the power behind the change we need!

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THANK YOU to Josh at Silver City Studios, DJ Dripsweat, and WEA Academy for your original music, skills, and sponsorship!