In this powerful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat is joined by Joey Weisler, educator, trauma-based scholar, and host of Classroom Narratives, Healing in Education. Joey brings his unique perspective on managing trauma and burnout, drawn from his own experiences with the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and his journey through personal and professional healing.

Lesley and Joey delve into the importance of creating safe spaces for students and educators to process trauma. They explore how music, narrative, and mindfulness can be powerful tools for recovery and resilience, sharing practical techniques like Joey's “5 Finger Meditation” and Lesley’s daily 528 Hertz breathing practice in the band room. Joey discusses his podcast’s mission to build a supportive community where educators can share stories, find healing, and prevent burnout.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the impact that trauma-informed practices can have in the classroom—and how vital it is for educators to support each other in these challenging times.

Key Topics Covered:

• Lesley’s personal story of a traumatic classroom incident
• Joey’s experience with trauma from Parkland and burnout as a new teacher
• The healing power of music, narrative, and mindful practices in education
• Techniques like “5 Finger Meditation” and using music frequencies for calming classrooms
• The mission of Classroom Narratives, Healing in Education podcast

Joey Weisler is an educator and podcast host known for his work focusing on trauma-informed education. As the creator and host of the podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing in Education, Weisler explores how teachers can support their own and their students' mental well-being through stories, empathy, and resilience. His approach is informed by his experiences dealing with educational challenges, teacher burnout, and the importance of using vulnerability and narrative to foster a supportive classroom environment. Weisler is also involved in initiatives addressing school trauma and has previously contributed writing related to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School community, where he has been a part of its support and remembrance efforts following the 2018 tragedy.

Links: https://rss.com/podcasts/teachertestimony/

IG: @classroomnarrativespodcast, @throneintheclassroom