Shame & Teaching: An Emotional Roller Coaster

In this episode of Untethering Shame, host Kyira Wackett and guest Diane Manser delve into the emotional complexities of teaching. They discuss the often-overlooked emotional load that teachers carry, the challenges they face in the classroom, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation. Diane shares her personal experiences and insights from her 19 years in education, emphasizing the need for support and understanding within the teaching community. The conversation highlights the impact of expectations, the role of self-care, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for both teachers and students. Key Takeaways: Teaching is not just about lesson plans; it's about emotional energy. Teachers often feel responsible for their students' emotional well-being. The first day of teaching can be overwhelming and filled with unexpected challenges. Self-awareness is crucial for teachers to navigate their emotions. Expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame. Teacher self-care should not shift the responsibility for systemic issues back onto teachers. Building a supportive community among teachers is essential. Teachers experience a range of emotions that can impact their performance. Empowerment comes from understanding and processing emotions. Teaching is a journey of self-discovery and growth. More about Diane: I am a current 18-year veteran high school English teacher. I have written and published a book about the emotional challenges of teaching and how teachers can move themselves to empowerment. I have founded a business called Teaching is Emotional, and my goal is to build a community where we can share our emotional challenges and we can learn from each other’s empowerment strategies. I am also a mom and wife, I love reading nonfiction, I laugh easily, and feel joy and pride in my personal growth. I return to my WHY as often as possible to stay centered and focused. Connect with Diane: Diane’s book, “I didn’t sign up for this” Website TikTok Instagram Facebook Group: “Teaching is Emotional” Ready to take the next step? Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People Do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace. Book a free 25-minute discovery call to discuss different program options and find the support best fits your needs. Stay Connected: Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and be sure to leave a review to let us know your thoughts on this episode. YouTube Website Chapters: 00:00 - The Emotional Load of Teaching 02:53 - Navigating Teacher Emotions 05:58 - The First Day Experience 09:07 - Understanding Teacher Reactions 11:52 - The Impact of Expectations 14:56 - The Role of Self-Care 18:04 - Shame and Teaching 20:53 - The Loneliness of Teaching 23:50 - Paths of Teacher Experience 27:03 - Creating Supportive Environments 30:09 - Empowerment Through Understanding 33:00 - The Importance of Connection 35:58 - Finding Balance in Teaching 38:49 - The Journey of Self-Discovery 42:05 - The Future of Teaching