Classroom Cafe Podcast By UFT Member Assistance Program cover art

Classroom Cafe

Classroom Cafe

By: UFT Member Assistance Program
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Classroom Café is a podcast created by the United Federation of Teachers' Member Assistance Program to support the well-being of public school educators and the social-emotional health of their students. Classroom Café was designed with public school educators in mind. It's all about brewing the conversation with fellow educators. We cover everything from mindfulness meditation to confronting substance use – either your own, your students or a loved one — to navigating interpersonal relationships in challenging times. Selma Williams is the host. A new episode is released on the final Monday of each month.2023 United Federation of Teachers. All rights reserved. Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Strengthening educators' resilience for the new school year

    Strengthening educators' resilience for the new school year
    Aug 31 2026

    If you've heard the phrase, "Put on your oxygen mask first before helping others," you'll understand why strengthening educators' emotional well-being and resilience is so important. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Cynthia Kaplan and Ryan Oelrich from the Center for Trauma and Stress Education, share practical strategies for navigating stress, trauma and difficult emotions. Learn to feel and name your emotions and use tools to respond more effectively. Through its ongoing partnership with the center, the UFT Member Assistance Program is introducing new monthly trainings to support members' well-being and resilience throughout the school year.
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    36 mins
  • School counselors: Helping young people thrive

    School counselors: Helping young people thrive
    Jul 27 2026

    What does it take to support students' mental health, academic success and personal growth in schools today? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Reverly Holder and Diane Washington, school counselors and members of the UFT School Counselors Chapter Executive Board, explore the vital role counselors play in helping students navigate life's challenges. Learn how to recognize a child in need and support them effectively by building trust; creating safe, supportive spaces; responding calmly during crises; and collaborating with families, teachers and mental health professionals.
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    25 mins
  • Master the Madness: A Conversation with Dr. Reef Karim

    Master the Madness: A Conversation with Dr. Reef Karim
    Jun 29 2026
    In a rapidly changing world, how can we find our calling and live a more fulfilling life? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Reef Karim — keynote speaker at the 2026 UFT MAP Mental Health Symposium — joins us to explore how we can "master the madness" and cultivate our passion, fostering greater personal growth and fulfillment. Dr. Karim, a transformational scientist and humanistic psychiatrist, delves into how health care providers can better support clients in dismantling barriers and embracing their authentic selves. To learn more, visit reefkarim.com.
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    45 mins
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