This one’s for the leaders.

In this episode, I talk with a most amazing psychotherapist and “Leadership Whisperer,” Jerry Fromm. Jerry does organizational consulting, which means he helps people figure out (as I put it) what the hell is happening psychodynamically within their walls — or within their societies! or countries! since he works with individuals and groups domestically and internationally as well. He does quite remarkable work and tells lots of fascinating stories in today’s conversation, stories that will make teachers and school leaders think differently about themselves and the school cultures they’re a part of.

Many schools are rethinking their cultures. But I promise you: Jerry’s perspective will make you think in a way you could never have imagined.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

We discuss

* The Clinical Is Missing: A simple and amazing definition of “clinical” makes Jerry’s (and TTE’s) psychodynamic work relevant to schools.

* The Sentient Level of Organizations: How, in the psychological dynamics of systems, contagious unprocessed feelings define the school culture.

* Playing Roles: Managing the “invitations flying around” all organizations to fit with others in familiar ways.

* Different Types of Organizations: What are narcissistic organizations? What are dependent organizations?

* The Power of Pictures: What drawing a picture of your organization with you in it can reveal.

External Links

For information on Group Relations Conferences and Leading from Experience, go to The Center for the Study of Groups and Social Systems.

To get in touch with Jerry, email him at gerard.fromm@austenriggs.net.

Credits

Founder and Host: Betsy Burris

Co-Host: Joe Johnson

Producer: Jullian Androkae of PodVision

Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of PodVision

Music: Tom Burris/Jabbering Trout

Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

On the face of it, having a Teaching Assistant or any adult in the classroom is a boon, right? The more adults, the more expert help students can get, the better.

In theory, yes.

In practice, having a TA or an adult helper can feel like having too many chefs in the kitchen. Because it’s another person to manage — and that person is more likely to have ideas of their own about how to teach and manage students. Ideas that might not dovetail completely with the lead teacher’s. Which means more work for the lead teacher to either orient that adult every day or clean up after them. Or both.

In this episode, Joe and I talk with Sarah, a university Spanish teacher whose school has gifted her with a TA every semester for the past 10 years — and she’s still figuring out how to make the best use of the resource.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

We discuss

* Mentoring TAs: Figuring out how to teach a teacher while simultaneously teaching students

* Sharing Expertise: Co-teaching as a unique source of information and wisdom

* Bridging Cultural Gaps: Managing a TA’s discomfort with your teaching style or philosophy

* Overcoming Student Anxiety: Planning ways to encourage students to make use of a TA effectively

It’s a really fun conversation! With a surprising axiom at the end that everyone should heed.

Credits

Founder and Host: Betsy Burris

Co-Host: Joe Johnson

Producer: Jullian Androkae of PodVision

Audience Development: Andreea Coscai of PodVision

Music: Tom Burris/Jabbering Trout

Teaching through Emotions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.