Part 2: From Trauma to Transformation: Dr. Joey Weisler on Teaching with Heart
Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind · Mark Ingrassia
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Show Notes
What happens when an educator refuses to treat students like data points?
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Mark speaks with educator, researcher, and author Dr. Joey Weisler about trauma, resilience, and what it really means to show up for students.
Joey shares his deeply personal journey—from witnessing the aftermath of the Parkland school tragedy to navigating a difficult first year of teaching that ultimately led to his dismissal. What initially felt like failure became the turning point that shaped his mission: to build classrooms centered on connection, presence, and emotional engagement.
Today, Joey teaches literature and composition at the college level while developing his HEART Framework, a model focused on creating learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.
This episode explores how trauma, compassion, and purposeful teaching can reshape education—and why learning should never be the result of compliance.
In This Episode
Mark and Joey discuss:
- Joey’s experience teaching near the Parkland tragedy and how it shaped his understanding of student trauma
- Why many schools struggle to address emotional realities in the classroom
- The moment Joey was unexpectedly dismissed from his first teaching job—and why it became the best and worst day of his career
- How storytelling and literature can help students process emotions and life decisions
- Why Joey arranges his classrooms in a circle to create presence and community
- The concept of “cognitive presence” vs. cognitive overload
- Why showing up and caring may be the most important thing a teacher can do
- How educators can balance academic expectations with emotional development
- Joey’s upcoming book on the HEART Framework
Key Takeaways
- Students remember how teachers make them feel more than what they teach.
- Trauma affects learning—even when it’s not visible.
- Presence and care often matter more than instructional techniques.
- Classrooms that allow students to explore meaning and identity create deeper engagement.
- Education systems focused solely on data risk losing the humanity of learning.
Memorable Quotes
“Learning should not be a result of compliance.”
“When you teach to the heart instead of just the brain, everything changes.”
“Students don’t remember every lesson—but they remember the teachers who cared.”
“Instead of cognitive overload, we need cognitive presence.”
About Dr. Joey Weisler
Dr. Joey Weisler is an educator, researcher, and writer focused on trauma-informed teaching and emotionally engaged learning environments. He teaches literature and composition at the college level and hosts the podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education.
He is currently developing the HEART Framework, a model designed to help educators create classrooms centered on connection, presence, and meaningful learning.
Resources & Links
Listen to Part 1 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220
Listen to my interview on Joey's podcast, Classroom Narratives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220
🌐 Website
josephweisler.com
🎬 The Throne in the Classroom (Short Film & Trailer)
🎧 Joey’s Podcast
Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education
📘 Resources Available on Joey’s Website
- 10 Steps to Trauma-Informed Teaching
- Emotionally Equipped Educator Conflict Styles Quiz
- HEART Framework (forthcoming book)
Connect with Mark
🎙️ Podcast: SER: No Parent Left Behind!
Website: specialedrising.com
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