As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world. Whether you’re listening for the first time or returning with new classroom experiences behind you, we invite you to engage with this episode through fresh eyes. Notice what resonates differently. Consider how your thinking has evolved. Reflection is not a destination—it’s an ongoing practice. Thank you for being part of this community for the past five years. Here’s to the next chapter of thinking aloud together. --- It’s not always easy to recognize #trauma in our students, since everyone responds to trauma differently. In this episode, Shey and Anna speak with guest Sherry MacKay about how to define trauma, how it might appear in our classrooms, and how teachers can be sensitive to students experiencing trauma. References & resources Dana, Deb. (2020) Polyvagal exercises for safety and connection. W.W. Norton & Company. Mate, D.G. (2018). In the realm of hungry ghosts. Vermilion. Porges, S. W., Porges, S. W., & Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. First Edition; the pocket guide to the polyvagal theory: The transformative power of feeling safe. first edition. W.W. Norton & Company. The Polyvagal Theory, Nerd Nite. The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit, Office for Victims of Crime Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking. Further listening: For a discussion about supporting your students through challenging moments, listen to Episode 6 - “Teaching and PD through the pandemic” and Episode 21 - “Addressing current events in the classroom” Questions for Reflection: How has trauma manifested itself in your classroom? How do you address trauma in the classroom? What recommendations or resources would you suggest for a new teacher? CHAPTERS 00:00 Relaunch Anniversary 00:36 Why Trauma Sensitive Teaching 02:43 Sponsor Message 03:04 Empathy Shapes Perception 04:01 Trauma In Every Classroom 05:16 Meet Sherry McKay 06:37 Icebreaker Souffle Talk 07:40 Refugee Wellbeing Project 09:34 Building Glocally Connected 12:13 ESL with TLC Community 13:42 Defining Trauma Clearly 15:20 Polyvagal Theory Explained 17:31 Trauma Triggers And Learning 18:22 Trauma Lives in Body 19:18 Spotting Trauma Signs 20:46 Beyond Behavior Labels 22:37 Teacher Self Care First 24:29 Safe Space or Direct Talk 30:11 Not Therapists Still Healing 32:40 Grounding Tools in Class 34:42 Movement as Takeaway 35:27 Resources and Farewell #trauma #Trauma-SensitiveTeaching #ELT #ReflectiveTeaching #TeachEnglish #ReflectivePedagogy #ESL #EFL #Teaching #Education #LoveTeaching #GlobalELT #Teacher #English #LanguageLearning #ReflectivePractice
