Brewing Wellness

Classroom Café is a podcast created by the UFT Member Assistance Program to support the well-being of public school educators and the social-emotional health of their students.

Classroom Café is 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.

Listen to Classroom Café wherever you get your podcasts. It’s available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and SoundCloud.

35: New year, new you!

Dec 26, 2022

With the new year fast approaching, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and think about changes you’d like to make in the months ahead. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Donna Resmini, a wellness and fitness coach. She will discuss ways to set yourself up for success,...

34: Resilience after trauma

Nov 28, 2022

Trauma shapes the way students present in the classroom and in their homes. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by licensed mental health professional Ashley Groesbeck. She will highlight the importance of finding out what's going on in your students' lives and share techniques to build body...

33: Supporting caregivers of children and adults with disabilities

Oct 31, 2022

Caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities takes patience and compassion. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Rocio Ruiz and Cristy M. Torres of YAI, a social services nonprofit offering a comprehensive range of services for children and adults with intellectual...

32: How to Avoid Power Struggles

Sep 26, 2022

Have you ever wondered how to avoid power struggles at home and in the classroom? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Chazz Lewis (aka Mr. Chazz), a parent and teacher coach with a huge social media following. A former Montessori teacher and the author of “No Bad Kid,” Mr. Chazz will...

31: Creating equitable classrooms

Aug 29, 2022

Classroom equity is achieved when all students feel understood, respected and included. In this episode of the Classroom Café we will take a deep dive into what equity is and is not. Special guest Moza Coote, a veteran New York City public school teacher who is now a teacher development specialist with the city's...