The Emotional Labor of Teaching

In this episode, Angela speaks with guests about a topic not often discussed in higher education or faculty development, the emotional side of teaching. Guests Maggie Ervin, Autumn Cartagena, and Stephanie Blaher reflect on what it means to consider the emotional labor involved in teaching, how to manage it and support your students in the process. Topics include the emotional challenges of teaching college students, the social and relational elements of teaching and learning, and how emotion can and should be built into existing processes, faculty training and support. We thank our wonderful guests for their vulnerability, humility and excellent suggestions! Maggie Ervin is the Specialist for Alternative Credit and Credentials at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  Prior to her current position, she worked as an Assistant Professor in the Education and English Departments of Greenville University.  Maggie’s teaching experience spans almost twenty years, twelve of which were spent teaching high school. Autumn Cartagena is a staff member in the Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University where she coordinates accreditation, facilitates faculty training, and supports course design.  She is also an adjunct instructor and former online program director in the Department of Psychology at Waldorf University. Stephanie Blaher is a Collegiate Associate Professor at University of Maryland Global Campus. She specializes in the Program and Career Exploration courses (PACE), working with both students and adjunct faculty to ensure students are prepared for a successful academic and professional career. She has worked in online education for over 10 years, supporting students and faculty in both first-year and information technology courses. Episode transcript.