Teaching Through Emotions Podcast Season 3: Interactive Features & Emotional Support for Teachers
As the new school year begins, teachers across the globe are preparing for a mix of excitement and stress. From curriculum planning to managing classroom dynamics, educators often carry the weight of emotional labor that goes far beyond the lesson plan. Amid these challenges, one podcast has carved a niche for itself: Teaching Through Emotions.
The award-winning show is returning with its third season on September 4, 2025, promising interactive features, premium educational resources, and a community-driven approach that empowers teachers to turn struggles into opportunities for growth.
In this in-depth feature, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the podcast’s new season, its innovative features, and why emotional awareness is crucial in today’s classrooms.
Why ‘Teaching Through Emotions’ Has Become a Teacher Favorite
Founded by psychotherapist and teacher educator Betsy Burris and co-hosted by veteran Spanish teacher Joe Johnson, Teaching Through Emotions isn’t just another education podcast. It’s a platform that dives into the emotional realities of teaching—acknowledging that every classroom struggle has a psychological dimension worth understanding.
The Podcast’s Mission in Betsy Burris’s Words
“Our mission is always the same: to dive into those difficult, overwhelming stories that make you want to quit and show how simple reframing can lead to miraculous outcomes.”
This philosophy sets the podcast apart. Rather than dismissing emotions as distractions, Burris and Johnson see them as meaningful data points that help educators decode their experiences and adapt effectively.
Season 3 Highlights: What’s New This Year?
The third season of Teaching Through Emotions is not just a continuation—it’s an evolution. The team is introducing interactive features, a premium learning community, and exclusive teacher resources.
1. Official Launch Details
Launch Date: September 4, 2025
Episode Frequency: Every two weeks during the school year
Availability: Free on major podcast platforms; premium content on Substack
2. Interactive Listener Hotline: A Platform for Teacher Voices
For the first time, the podcast is opening its dedicated voicemail line to collect real-life stories from teachers:
Hotline Number:+1 (413) 239-4158
What Teachers Can Share:
First-day jitters and classroom anxieties
Stories of unexpected breakthroughs
Moments when they almost quit—but didn’t
How It Works: Selected voicemails will be discussed in future episodes, turning teacher experiences into collective learning moments.
This feature transforms the podcast from a one-way conversation into a collaborative storytelling hub—a rare move in the education podcast space.
3. Premium Subscription via Substack
To expand its reach and sustainability, Teaching Through Emotions is introducing a tiered subscription model through Substack:
Benefits for Paid Members:
Access to over 150 blog posts written by Betsy Burris
Exclusive bonus episodes with deeper psychological insights
Discounts on Burris’s book The Feeling of Teaching
Special Launch Offer: Sign up for an annual subscription before September 30, 2025, and receive a free one-hour consultation with Burris (a $250 value).
Why Emotional Awareness Matters in Today’s Classrooms
Teaching has always been an emotionally demanding profession, but in the wake of pandemic-related disruptions, teacher shortages, and increasing behavioral challenges, the emotional load has intensified.
According to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) 2024 report, 78% of educators reported feeling frequent stress, and one in three teachers considered leaving the profession due to emotional burnout.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Education
Educational psychology research underscores the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in teachers. Studies show that teachers with higher EI:
Manage classroom stress more effectively
Foster stronger relationships with students
Improve academic outcomes through emotional regulation strategies
The Teaching Through Emotions podcast taps into these findings by offering practical tools and real-world stories that help teachers build emotional resilience.
What to Expect in Season 3: Episode Themes and Insights
While the hosts haven’t revealed the full episode list, here are likely themes based on past seasons and teaser announcements:
Episode 1:First-Day Fears and How to Reframe Them
Episode 2:Turning Classroom Chaos into Connection
Episode 3:When Students Push Your Buttons: What It Really Means
Episode 4:The Mid-Year Slump and How to Survive It
Episode 5:From Burnout to Breakthrough: Real Teacher Stories
Inside the Minds of the Hosts: Burris & Johnson
Betsy Burris: The Psychodynamic Approach
Burris brings decades of experience in psychotherapy and teacher education, focusing on psychodynamic theory—a perspective that explores the unconscious motivations behind behavior. This lens helps teachers decode student behavior and understand their own triggers.
Joe Johnson: The Classroom Veteran
With over 25 years in the classroom, Johnson provides practical wisdom. His ability to connect theory with everyday teaching realities makes the podcast relatable and actionable.
How Teachers Can Engage Beyond Listening
The new season invites teachers to be part of the conversation, not just passive listeners:
Share Your Story: Call +1 (413) 239-4158 and leave a voicemail
Subscribe for Premium Content: Unlock deeper insights via Substack
Follow and Comment: Engage on social media platforms to connect with peers
Case Study: How Reframing Changed One Teacher’s Career
Consider a real example shared in an earlier season: A middle school teacher was ready to quit after repeated conflicts with a disruptive student. Through reflection and reframing (a core concept in psychodynamic teaching), the teacher realized the behavior was linked to the student’s fear of failure. By addressing the root cause, the teacher turned an adversarial relationship into a mentoring bond.
These stories demonstrate how emotional understanding can transform classroom dynamics.
The Future of Teacher Support: Why Podcasts Work
Podcasts have become a critical tool for on-the-go professional development. According to Edison Research (2024), 57% of professionals use podcasts as a learning resource—and educators are no exception.
Why podcasts like Teaching Through Emotions work:
Accessibility: Listen during commutes or prep time
Relatability: Real stories from real teachers
Practical Application: Immediate takeaways for classroom scenarios
Extended FAQs
Q1: Is the podcast suitable for new teachers? Absolutely. In fact, early-career educators often benefit the most from emotional support strategies.
Q2: How long are the episodes? Typically 30–45 minutes—perfect for busy schedules.
Q3: Can international teachers participate? Yes. While the hotline is U.S.-based, stories can also be shared via Substack comments or social media.
Q4: Is there any certification for listening? Currently, no formal certification, but the insights can count toward self-directed professional development hours in some districts.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Tune In
The teaching profession is at a crossroads. High stress, behavioral challenges, and retention issues make emotional support not just helpful—but essential. Teaching Through Emotions isn’t just a podcast; it’s a movement toward emotionally intelligent teaching.
If you’re a teacher seeking community, understanding, and actionable strategies, this is your invitation to join thousands of educators who are rewriting the narrative on teaching and emotions.
