Episode Details

📝 Episode Synopsis

What does trauma-informed education really look like on the front lines? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Joey Weisler speaks with Supriya Budhiraja, an educational leader and former Teach For India fellow, who shares raw stories from her classrooms in India—stories of resilience, systemic challenge, and radical compassion. From navigating classrooms filled with 60+ students to witnessing the emotional aftermath of poverty and abuse, Supriya reveals the universal truths that connect educators across continents. This episode bridges global perspectives on student safety, empathy, and how educators everywhere can be that “one champion” every child needs.

📚 Show Notes

Guest: Supriya Budhiraja

Topic: Trauma-Informed Education & SEL in Indian Classrooms

Key Themes & Highlights:

• Parallels between Teach For America and Teach For India
• Classroom safety as a non-negotiable foundation for learning
• How poverty intersects with school attendance and trauma
• The powerful role of learning circles in student healing
• Project-based learning and equity through competency rubrics
• The emotional toll on educators: teaching by choice vs. by chance
• Cultural and systemic barriers to implementing trauma-informed practices
• Teachers as changemakers—even when the system pushes back
• Understanding educator trauma and burnout
• Community-led solutions and parent engagement strategies

Additional Resources:

• 🎧 Listen to Monica Langer (NYC School Counselor) on Season 1: https://rss.com/podcasts/teachertestimony/1685025/
• 🔗 Connect with Supriya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supriya-budhiraja-1789bab4/