Classroom Café: Recent Episodes
UFT Podcasts
Classroom Café is a podcast created by the United Federation of Teachers’ Member Assistance Program to support the well-being of public school educators and the social-emotional health of their students.
Classroom Café was designed with public school educators in mind. It’s all about brewing the conversation with fellow educators. We cover everything from mindfulness meditation to confronting substance use – either your own, your students or a loved one — to navigating interpersonal relationships in challenging times.
Selma Williams is the host. A new episode is released on the final Monday of each month.
What does it take to support students' mental health, academic success and personal growth in schools today? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Reverly Holder and Diane Washington, school counselors and members of the UFT School Counselors Chapter Executive Board, explore the vital role counselors play in helping students navigate life's challenges. Learn how to recognize a child in need and support them effectively by building trust; creating safe, supportive spaces; responding calmly during crises; and collaborating with families, teachers and mental health professionals.
In a rapidly changing world, how can we find our calling and live a more fulfilling life? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Reef Karim — keynote speaker at the 2026 UFT MAP Mental Health Symposium — joins us to explore how we can "master the madness" and cultivate our passion, fostering greater personal growth and fulfillment. Dr. Karim, a transformational scientist and humanistic psychiatrist, delves into how health care providers can better support clients in dismantling barriers and embracing their authentic selves. To learn more, visit reefkarim.com.
There are as many reasons to seek counseling as there are people. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Loredana Zito, a licensed mental health counselor and school psychologist, joins us to demystify the counseling experience. Together, we explore why people seek therapy, how to find the right fit in a counselor and what to expect in those first few sessions. Stigma sometimes prevents people from seeking mental health care, but asking for support is an act of strength.
Women's health is often discussed as separate symptoms, but the lived experience — hormonal shifts, misunderstood conditions and the emotional weight of postpartum life — deserves deeper attention. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Pina LoGiudice, naturopathic doctor and owner of InnerSource Wellness, joins us to discuss concerns women bring into care and issues that often go unspoken. Together, we explore hormonal impacts on mental health, misdiagnosis, and how women can become more empowered in seeking support.
Supporting a young person who has thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker and crisis counselor, and Brennan Spector, a former Trevor Project volunteer and licensed mental health counselor, offer guidance for adults navigating these conversations. They explore the subtle signs a student may be struggling and the power of calm language and presence. Learn how adults can care for themselves while doing this emotionally demanding work.
When trust is broken by someone (or something) you rely on, the impact can be deeply disorienting. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, trauma-informed therapists Suzanne Shanley and Emily Sanchez of Glass Psychotherapy describe what betrayal trauma is and how it impacts the nervous system, self-trust and attachment. They also explore how it can show up in both personal relationships and larger systems, and what healing looks like over time.
Our bodies respond to stress with a fight-or-flight response that may be disproportionate to the situation we're encountering. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lisa Siclari, a licensed mental health counselor, shares some simple somatic techniques that support emotional regulation, stress relief and overall well-being. Bring your body into the conversation with techniques that can be easily integrated into your daily routines at work and at home.
Substances promoted as beneficial to wellness may be anything but; online pharmacies sell tainted products that look like real pharmaceutical drugs; and friends vouch for products that may be unsafe. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jo Venturelli, a leader in addiction and behavioral health, shares insight into how the substance-use landscape has evolved and what that means for schools, families and workplaces. Learn about emerging drug trends, warning signs, pathways to recovery and ways educators and communities can strengthen prevention, safety and connection.
Bullying: To overcome it, we have to understand it. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Carol Morrison, a licensed clinical social worker and director of New Directions Clinic, explores how bullying impacts not only students, but educators, school staff and entire school communities. Unpack what bullying looks like in 2025 and how its dynamics shape the emotional climate of our schools. Learn how educators can respond in grounded, sustainable ways and where to find support.
Welcome back to The Brewing Wellness Podcast, brought to you by the UFT's Member Assistance Program. We're kicking off Season 7 with a powerful reminder: You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.
This episode is all about reintroducing MAP — what it is, why it exists and how it can support you as an educator and as a whole person. From counseling and support groups to workshops and wellness resources, we're sharing the many ways MAP is here to walk alongside you.
As students return to their classrooms, many carry the weight of fresh or long-held grief. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we are joined by Cara Belvin, founder of Empower, a nonprofit supporting children and young adults who have lost a parent. Belvin, who lost her mother at a young age, explores how loss affects young people’s academic and emotional well-being and how educators can respond with compassion. Learn the small yet powerful ways teachers and staff can help students feel seen, supported and less alone.
Pets can soothe, amuse and distract us. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we are joined by Marc Lenci of Cat Colony Crusade, a group that cares for and rehomes feral cats. Lenci explains how animals support our mental and emotional well-being, easing anxiety and offering a reprieve from burnout. Tune in to learn more about the quiet power of the connection between humans and their pets.
Whether you’re already active or just movement-curious, explore the ways physical activity can help release stress, regulate emotions and build resilience. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Cristina Santamaria, DPT, a Rumble Boxing instructor, physical therapist and advocate for movement as a tool for healing, shares practical ways to recharge your mind and body this summer.
Whether you’re looking for a complete reset in your wellness routine or some simple tweaks, join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Pina LoGiudice, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Inner Source Health, in this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast. Explore how everyday habits shape our physical health and overall energy. Dr. LoGiudice will be hosting two holistic health workshops for the UFT’s Member Assistance Program this summer — stay tuned for details!
Would you like to build greater emotional resilience and improve your communication under pressure? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist and licensed mental health counselor, shares practical skills for managing tough emotions, setting boundaries and strengthening relationships, both in and out of the classroom. Join us for part two of this two-part series.
Work and life can both be stressful, but you can acquire practical tools for staying grounded, managing stress and navigating challenging moments with greater ease. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist, licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, shares skills specifically tailored to support school professionals’ mental wellness. Join us for part one of a two-part series.
March can feel like the longest month of the school year for educators. That’s why we’re taking a moment to revisit our August conversation with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, to discuss the UFT’s partnership with Vibrant to launch the union’s 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members at 866-UFT-FOR-U. Tune in as we discuss the importance of this initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. Plus, exciting news: The helpline is now available via chat and text!
In this episode, we dive in to the fascinating topics of attachment styles and love languages. Join us as licensed clinical social worker Julia Di Giacomo explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with people as adults, and how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. She also breaks down the five love languages, offering practical tips on how to communicate your needs and strengthen your bonds. Tune in for insightful advice on creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Do the short winter days leave you feeling down? Join Dr. Gail Brightwell, a licensed school psychologist with the Positive Learning Collaborative, to learn about the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changing seasons can affect our mental health. In conversation with the UFT Member Assistance Program staff, Dr. Brightwell shares practical strategies and expert advice for managing SAD, as well as self-care tips to prioritize your mental well-being so you can stay balanced through the darker months.
Do you always sweat the small stuff? Hold back until everything is just right? Let small flaws ruin the big picture? Listen in as Debbie Missud, licensed mental health counselor and owner of the Manhattan Psychotherapy Collective, discusses perfectionism with the UFT’s MAP team. Missud explains why people tend to develop perfectionistic tendencies and shares practical strategies and tips to help manage these tendencies and cultivate a more balanced mindset.
Happy National Book Month! Celebrate with the Brewing Wellness Podcast as we discuss the power of literature in healing and personal growth. Sherry Reiter, LCSW, a “poetry therapist” and founder of the Creative Righting Center, talks with Vincent Corletta, an ELA teacher from Queens, about practical strategies to bring reading and writing into your own wellness journey. For more on Sherry’s work, visit thecreativerightingcenter.com.
In the Season 6 premiere of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker with the Victim Support Program, talks with District 11 Representative Dana Falciglia about navigating the transition into a new season. Listen in as they discuss both the highs and the lows in the change of season and ways to manage the emotions that often come along with these shifts.
We chat with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, about the UFT’s exciting new partnership with Vibrant. This collaboration has launched a 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members. Listen in as we discuss the importance of this new initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. If you need mental health assistance, don't hesitate to call 1-866-UFT-FOR-U.
In this episode of the Brewing Wellness Podcast, we’re joined by Workplace Wellness Specialist Mike Veny. Listen as he discusses his journey to becoming a workplace wellness specialist, defines what self-care means to him and shares tips on how to use the summer to rest and recharge.
Our physical and mental health are connected: Research shows that exercise can boost your mood and lead to a more positive outlook on life. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Shanna Honkomp, a social work graduate and yoga instructor, and Stuart Kaplan, UFT Staten Island Safety and Health representative and chair of the UFT Runners Committee, share the benefits of staying active and offer tips for how to find what works best for you.
Just in time for Pride Month, this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast features a conversation with UFT educator Rashad Brown, co-chair of the UFT’s Pride Committee. He joins Mindy Rosier of the UFT Teacher Center for a discussion of the committee’s advocacy and goals, which include creating safe spaces within school communities. The committee also hosts the Daniel Dromm Scholarship Brunch and participates in an annual AIDS walk and a Pride March, which this year will be Sunday, June 30.
Grief is a universal experience that can stem from all types of loss. Grief is a response to a death, but it’s also common to feel grief after a breakup, while dealing with infertility or in the aftermath of the pandemic or any other traumatic experience. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Gina Moffa, a licensed clinical social worker and the author of “Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go,” shares what she has learned about navigating and healing from all kinds of loss at any age.
Acupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote physical and emotional well-being. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Nicholas Sieben, a licensed acupuncturist and healer based in New York City, shares his personal journey with Chinese medicine and discusses how acupuncture can be used to manage chronic conditions and decrease mental stress.
Caregiving can be both a challenging and rewarding role. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Christopher Chin, a licensed master social worker and the director of the UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Social Services Department, clarifies common misconceptions about caregivers and discusses why it is essential to care for yourself while caring for others. Learn ways to replenish yourself physically and emotionally so you can be present for yourself, as well as for someone else.
New year, new you! In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Pina LoGiudice, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of the Inner Source Health clinic, discusses the connection between our physical health and lifestyle habits. Learn how you can feel better and have more energy in 2024.
Thankfulness is a feeling, and like all emotions, it is fleeting. Gratitude, however, is a state of being — an attitude of appreciation — under any circumstance. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we welcome Francine Steadman, the owner of BuddhaBooth, which has brought portable meditation spaces to schools and workplaces and is a longtime partner of the UFT Member Assistance Program. She joins Raul Garcia, the UFT Social Workers and Psychologists’ chapter leader, for a discussion of how to cultivate gratitude. They share ways to express and receive gratitude through acts of kindness as well as discuss strategies for improving our own social and emotional well-being.
We have all experienced the downside of not setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in our lives. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Alexa Leigh Mulee, a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, and Christine Hanley, field liaison with the UFT Teacher Center, share their strategies for creating and managing mindful boundaries. Learn skills to help manage your emotions in effective and healthy ways.
Are you preparing to welcome a new child into your life? If you are a UFT member employed by the Department of Education, you are eligible for paid parental leave. In this special episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Tanisha Franks, member representative, and Emily James, special projects coordinator, discuss the details. Birth parents, partners of birth parents, and foster and adoptive parents are all entitled to paid parental leave. To register for a workshop or to learn more about the paid parental leave benefit, visit UFT.org/parental-leave; for questions, call the UFT at 212-331-6311.
Choosing the right therapist can be challenging! In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Mike Veny, a professional drummer and podcaster and the best-selling author of "Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero," shares his own mental health journey and his experience finding a therapist suited to his needs. Join us for a discussion of the different types of therapists and modalities of treatment.
New beginnings can trigger fears. In this first episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Jarell Myers, a clinical psychologist, will discuss ways to work with our thoughts and feelings so we are not held captive by unhealthy fears. He will share an approach to building up tolerance through exposure and other strategies to help manage our anxieties.
Nourishing UFT members, one conversation at a time.
Brewing Wellness is a podcast created by the UFT Member Assistance Program to support the mental health and well-being of our members.
In order to do the work you do every day and be present for your loved ones, students, patients and colleagues, your cup has to be full. Brewing Wellness focuses on mental health and wellness topics that can help us all thrive in our professional and personal lives.
Selma Williams is the host. A new episode is released on the last Monday of each month.
Listen to Brewing Wellness wherever you get your podcasts. It’s available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and SoundCloud.
Have you ever been asked, "Why are you so sensitive?" or questioned about why you feel overwhelmed and withdraw from noisy or busy environments? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, school social worker and MAP clinician Dr. Julie Beidl highlights the characteristics of the highly sensitive person. She shares her experiences helping people with highly sensitive traits — a group she has seen increase in numbers since the pandemic — navigate the world and turn their sensitivity into a superpower.
Self-care is important for physical and mental health. As you prepare for a summer recharge, take some time to prioritize your own well-being. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Tina Puccio, director of the union's Member Assistance Program, is joined by clinicians Kathleen Regalado, Steven Sulzer and Alain Metellus for a wide-ranging discussion of health and wellness, including strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress and prioritizing self-care.
Multiple perspectives can be deserving of respect. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Sonya Brown, a retired teacher development specialist for the city Department of Education, explains the importance of balancing self-care with community care to experience the power of compassionate detachment. Now a transformational coach, restorative yoga teacher and interfaith chaplin, Sonya encourages leaders to bring their “entire selves” to their roles and to strive to achieve that crucial balance.
"I’m not crazy," is sometimes the response to the idea of getting help. But everyone has moments of anxiety, stress and depression. It's important to recognize when those feelings require you to seek more support. In this episode of the Café Wellness podcast, we are joined by social workers Selma Williams, LMSW; Kathleen Regalado, LMSW; and Steven Sulzer, LCSW, all from the union’s Member Assistance Program. They will provide strategies that support better mental health so no one — not you or your friends, family, colleagues or students — has to struggle in silence.
Learn ways to lower the stress and increase the learning and joy in your classroom by using mindfulness techniques and movement, theater and the visual arts. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Julie Flynn Badal, a longtime public school teacher and artist, who offers workshops on contemplative practices, movement and the arts at The Meadow. She will explore a variety of ways to engage students and incorporate mindfulness practices and the arts in the classroom, a benefit to both students and educators.
How do you help a student who is being bullied find their voice and power? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by author and attorney S.P. Brown, who will share stories from her book, "Kyrie’s School Blues," about a home-schooled 4th-grader’s rocky transition to the classroom. Jamie Lepow, a licensed social worker and senior administrator in the city Department of Education’s Office of Safety and Youth Development, joins the conversation to discuss ways to help students overcome conflicts and bullying.
What does it take to transform your life when you face great adversity? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by S.P. Brown, an author, attorney and former corporate executive. This native New Yorker overcame childhood verbal and physical abuse, spurred on by her love of books and writing. “Gifts in Brown Paper Packages,” her latest novel, shares her real-life experience as she escaped domestic abuse to find her way in the world.
Are you tired? Do you want to make some changes in your work-life balance but don’t know where to start? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by licensed counselor Norbi Forero, the clinical director of community services at HelloHero. She will address the challenges facing exhausted educators, identify the symptoms of burnout and share innovative strategies to transform our relationship with work and stress.
With the new year fast approaching, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and think about changes you’d like to make in the months ahead. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Donna Resmini, a wellness and fitness coach. She will discuss ways to set yourself up for success, including how to have a magic moment every day, the importance of gratitude and other wellness practices and, most important, how to focus on being present, not perfect.
Trauma shapes the way students present in the classroom and in their homes. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by licensed mental health professional Ashley Groesbeck. She will highlight the importance of finding out what's going on in your students' lives and share techniques to build body awareness and mindfulness. These and other tools help students — and adults — to build resiliency and increase their capacity for joy and growth.
Caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities takes patience and compassion. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Rocio Ruiz and Cristy M. Torres of YAI, a social services nonprofit offering a comprehensive range of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They will discuss the complexities of being a caregiver and share available resources. Committed to seeing beyond disability, YAI provides opportunities for people with disabilities to live, love, work and learn in their communities.
Caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities takes patience and compassion. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Rocio Ruiz and Cristy M. Torres of YAI, a social services nonprofit offering a comprehensive range of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They will discuss the complexities of being a caregiver and share available resources. Committed to seeing beyond disability, YAI provides opportunities for people with disabilities to live, love, work and learn in their communities.
Have you ever wondered how to avoid power struggles at home and in the classroom? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Chazz Lewis (aka Mr. Chazz), a parent and teacher coach with a huge social media following. A former Montessori teacher and the author of “No Bad Kid,” Mr. Chazz will share his experiences guiding parents and educators in managing difficult situations with children, and he’ll talk about turning interactions from war to peace. Learn how to see children for who they are to better guide them and win their trust as you foster a healthy environment.
Have you ever wondered how to avoid power struggles at home and in the classroom? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Chazz Lewis (aka Mr. Chazz), a parent and teacher coach with a huge social media following. A former Montessori teacher and the author of “No Bad Kid,” Mr. Chazz will share his experiences guiding parents and educators in managing difficult situations with children, and he’ll talk about turning interactions from war to peace. Learn how to see children for who they are to better guide them and win their trust as you foster a healthy environment.
Classroom equity is achieved when all students feel understood, respected and included. In this episode of the Classroom Café we will take a deep dive into what equity is and is not. Special guest Moza Coote, a veteran New York City public school teacher who is now a teacher development specialist with the city's Department of Education, will share insights and resources to help educators bring their compassion and kindness to the experience of teaching and learning.
Art can be a way of expressing our thoughts and feelings when words come up short. In this episode of Classroom Café, we explore art as a way to alleviate stress, help us process trauma and get to know ourselves better. Listen in as our special guests Caitlin Hanvey, a creative art therapist, and Asha Hanna, a Brooklyn-based artist, discuss their experiences using art as a form of therapy for both children and adults.
Food plays a role in our emotional, physical and even psychological health. In this episode of Classroom Café, Leeann Rybakov, a health coach who is certified in functional medicine, will discuss how we can make healthier choices to support our overall well-being. Rybakov will share some practical and time-saving food choices that will nourish our bodies and spare our wallets.
- Free Pantry Swaps Resources from Leeann Rybakov
- Leeann Rybakov on Instagram
Mindfulness strategies can help teenagers take back some control over their emotions and overall mental health. In this episode of Classroom Café, Lexi Mulee, a licensed mental health clinician who works with teens, will discuss some short, innovative approaches to mindfulness that pique teens’ interest, including mindfulness meditation. This is a technique that can calm anxieties and help both teens and adults manage their emotions.
Teenagers test limits and push boundaries. But some behaviors, such as withdrawing from friends and family or increased anger and mood swings, may indicate your teenager or child is struggling with their mental health. In this episode of Classroom Café, we are joined by Lexi Mulee, a licensed mental health clinician and the founder of Wise Mind Counseling. Mulee specializes in working with teens and will discuss ways to build positive relationships with them as well as the warning signs that your student may need help.
Grief is an intensely personal experience, which can look very different from one person to the next. There is no "right" way to grieve. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Ashley Groesbeck, a clinical social worker, and Alain Metellus, the UFT’s director of crisis intervention, for a discussion of ways we can validate the experience for the bereaved and help them, or ourselves, to accept and move through the grieving process.
What does addiction look like, and how can our personal biases, experiences and judgments affect the way we view this illness? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Steven Sulzer, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, educator and credentialed substance use disorder counselor. He will share his own experience as well as tools and resources we can use when a family member or loved one may be dealing with substance misuse.
Learn practices, techniques and resources that can be used in school-based settings to identify survivors of domestic violence and support their health and well-being. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Jules Perkél, a trauma psychotherapist and clinical social worker, will discuss the most commonly seen behaviors of survivors of domestic violence and the best practices when working with those who have experienced this trauma.
Learn ways of identifying students at risk of substance use and how to support them. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, the New York Times best-selling author Jessica Lahey will discuss her latest book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. She will share her personal story as an educator with addiction, the latest research around youth and substance use and resources to support students and their families. Learn how the UFT Member Assistance Program helps union members cope with substance use and the pandemic through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at www.uft.org/map.
Here we are in the the 2021-22 school year, still talking about COVID-19, still wearing masks, social distancing and dealing with stressors the pandemic has created. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, mental health speaker and best-selling author Mike Veny will discuss the “next normal” and how to support people where they are. Listen in for tips on how you can maintain your own mental wellness and support others with compassion and concern. Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at www.uft.org/map.
Students are trying to figure out how to navigate this new school year. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Dr. Miri Rosen talks about how educators can support students as we re-engage at school. Learn how to identify students in need and how creating healthy boundaries and engaging in self-care for ourselves can benefit our students. Dr. Rosen is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at www.uft.org/map.
Feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety have been heightened during the pandemic, creating the perfect storm for an increase in substance use and other addictive behaviors. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Anthony Rizzuto of the Seafield Treatment Center on Long Island, a master social worker, alcoholism and substance abuse counselor and national speaker, will discuss how these stressors can affect you and your loved ones and how best to cope with them. He'll give you strategies for managing emotions without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms and explain how you can support others in these difficult times.
The year 2020 has been tough. The pandemic has taken a toll on our emotional well-being, whether we have suffered the loss of a loved one or we miss our normal work routines and time spent with family and friends. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, mental health speaker and best-selling author Mike Veny shares the profound mental health journey he has been on since childhood. His insights will help educators to develop tools and techniques for self-care and to support students and their families as they deal with the stresses of the pandemic. Listen in and start 2021 with an outlook that promotes emotional well-being and resilience.
The holidays are a time of joy — and for many, a time of stress and anxiety, too. The year 2020 has brought an array of new challenges, including how to celebrate safely during a pandemic. What is the best way to manage? With careful thought and preparation. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Jonathan Benz, a New York City-based behavioral health professional, shares tips, strategies and scenarios to help you plan for a safe and celebratory holiday season.
The coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives in many ways, affecting everything from work to leisure activities. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Christine Whelan, who teaches classes on well-being at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, shares strategies for finding your purpose, even during a pandemic. Learn what happens to you when you embrace a purpose mindset and connect to something bigger, and find out how to do that. To learn more about Christine, visit her website at www.christinewhelan.com. Find out more about the UFT Member Assistance program at www.uft.org/map.
During this pandemic, relationships matter more than ever. In this episode, we share tips for managing interpersonal relationships during these challenging times. Join us as we talk with Krista Rizzo, transformational life coach, motivational speaker and a published author who specializes in relationships. To learn more about Krista, visit her website.
Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the COVID-19 pandemic through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at the Membership Assistance Program.
The start of this school year poses challenges, concerns and stressors that are unique and different from any other school year. In this episode, three UFT members share their experiences and perspectives on returning to their school buildings and on teaching remotely. Learn strategies for dealing with your own feelings of stress, anxiety and fear from these intrepid New York City educators.
Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the COVID-19 pandemic through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at www.uft.org/map.
Grieving the loss of a loved one, whether a family member, friend or colleague, can be complicated and difficult. Grieving during a pandemic is more complicated still. Listen in as Alan Fruzzetti, Ph.D., a psychologist from McLean Hospital and cofounder of The Center for Trauma and Stress Education, shares his insights. While there is no “right” way to grieve, in this episode, we will learn strategies for coping with grief and loss so it isn’t overwhelming.
Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the COVID-19 pandemic through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at www.uft.org/map.
In this special podcast episode for UFT retirees, hear how retired UFT members throughout the country are experiencing life during this pandemic and learn strategies that retirees are using to cope with the new reality. “We want our retired members to know your union is here for you and you’re not alone,” said Retired Teachers Chapter Leader Tom Murphy. “Listen in to our conversation as one way to stay together while remaining socially distant.” The podcast features Murphy; Christopher Chin, the director of Retiree Social Services; and Donesa Jackson and Patti Vitucci of the UFT’s Florida retiree section.
Learn tips and strategies about creating boundaries, setting routines and virtually supporting students in the remote era from Doreen Ng, the director of mental health at the UFT’s United Community Schools program, and Christopher Chin, the director of the union’s Retiree Social Services Department. In this interview with Lindsay Strickler-Levine, a licensed counselor with the union’s Member Assistance Program, Ng and Chin also discuss why finding a “win” every day is an important self-care tool.
Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the COVID-19 pandemic through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at www.uft.org/map.
UFT Member Assistance Program Director Tina Puccio, LCSW, and licensed counselors Lindsay Levine and Jenice Acosta, who have been facilitating the union’s virtual support groups, discuss that strategies that have helped UFT members deal with the fear and anxiety triggered by the coronavirus crisis.
Learn more about how the individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources that the UFT Member Assistance Program offers at www.uft.org/map.
Together we make a difference: transforming student-teacher relationships through functional fitness, with Libby Douglass, a CrossFit coach at CrossFit Wall Street and Jackie Boyle, a NYC public school teacher. Hear about the benefits of using exercise in the classroom and ways to incorporate exercise into your daily classroom routine. Learn more about the UFT’s Member Assistance Program at www.uft.org/map and check out resources for new teachers at www.uft.org/teaching/new-teachers.
Getting Ready to Launch with Gisele Noisy-McBride, UFT Teacher Center. How can you set yourself up for a successful school year? Hear about steps you can take to focus your actions and beliefs. Learn more about the UFT’s Member Assistance Program at www.uft.org/map and check out resources for new teachers at www.uft.org/teaching/new-teachers
Creating Safe, Welcoming and Inclusive Schools for ALL of Our Students, Families and Staff with Mitch Klages- Bombich, M.S. Ed., PLC professional Development Coordinator.
In this podcast, you will hear about Embracing Family Diversity, Creating LGBTQ and Gender Inclusive Schools and Classrooms, and an Overview of NYCDOE Guidelines Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students.
To learn more about the UFT, make sure to check out the Member Assistance Program at http://www.uft.org/our-benefits/member-assistance-program and the New Member page at www.uft.org/new-teachers
Time Management: How can I get it all done? with Gisele Noisy- McBride, UFT Teacher Center Field Staff .
In this podcast, you will learn 3 simple and realistic steps to help you better manage time and tasks that arise during your workday.
To learn more about the UFT, make sure to check out the Member Assistance Program at http://www.uft.org/our-benefits/member-assistance-program and the New Member page at www.uft.org/new-teachers
10 Ways to Eat Healthier With Limited Time with Meredith Price, a Brooklyn-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Meredith will provide her top 10 strategies on how to eat well when you have limited time during the work week.
To learn more about Meredith and some of the websites she utilizes, please visit: https://www.PricelessRD.com, www.101cookbooks.com, www.cookieandkate.com , www.healthyaperture.com.
To learn more about the UFT, make sure to check out the Member Assistance Program at http://www.uft.org/our-benefits/member-assistance-program and the New Member page at www.uft.org/new-teachers.
Making Classrooms Happy Places with Dana Ashley, Director of the UFT Positive Learning Collaboration (PLC) & Miranda Selbst, PLC Restorative Practices Coordinator and Former High School Teacher.
In this two part series, Dana & Miranda will discuss components that can contribute to making a happy classroom. This will include rituals and best practices to create community in your classroom.
To learn more about the UFT, make sure to check out the Member Assistance Program at http://www.uft.org/our-benefits/member-assistance-program and the New Member page at www.uft.org/new-teachers.
Making Classrooms Happy Places with Dana Ashley, Director of the UFT Positive Learning Collaboration (PLC) & Miranda Selbst, PLC Restorative Practices Coordinator and Former High School Teacher.
In this two part series, Dana & Miranda will discuss components that can contribute to making a happy classroom. This will include rituals and best practices to create community in your classroom.
To learn more about the UFT, make sure to check out the Member Assistance Program at http://www.uft.org/our-benefits/member-assistance-program and the New Member page at www.uft.org/new-teachers.
Mindfulness and Compassion with Kristin Westbrook, the founder of Calm City Meditation and certified meditation teacher. Kristin will guide you through three meditation techniques: a body scan, a mindfulness meditation and a loving kindness meditation. These techniques can help educators relieve the stress and bring a greater sense of calm thought the day. For more information about Calm City Meditation Station visit www.calmcitynyc.com. To learn more about the UFT, make sure to check out the Member Assistance Program www.uft.org/our-benefits/member-assistance-program and the New Member page at www.uft.org/new-teachers.
Hi everyone, thank you for joining us for this “trailer” of the Classroom Café Podcast, where it’s all about brewing the conversation with New York City public school educators. This podcast is presented by The United Federation of Teachers & the union's Member Assistance Program (MAP).
We know you are busy and on the go in your career. But we all experience challenges in our personal and professional lives and need the support of a helping hand from time to time. For UFT members, these stresses can create a perfect storm.
For this reason, the UFT Member Assistance Program is excited to bring you this series of well-being podcasts on topics such as Making Classrooms Happy Places, 10 Ways to Eat Healthier with Limited Time, Time Management: Getting It All Done, Mindfulness and Compassion and Creating Safe, Welcoming and Inclusive Schools for ALL of Our Students, Families and Staff.