Rethinking what workplace wellness in education really means.

TAUGHT is the podcast that explores real solutions to the educator burnout crisis- because we can’t self-care our way out of systemic dysfunction.

TAUGHT: The Podcast

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Season 2

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TAUGHT: The Podcast | Season 2 |

SEASON 2 | TRAILER: The Truth About Educator Burnout

Season 2 of TAUGHT kicks off with a bold shift from burnout stories to systemic solutions. Host Amy Schamberg unpacks why educator burnout is a public health issue- not a personal failing- and invites listeners to reimagine what workplace wellness in schools should really look like.


S2 Episode 5 | Beyond the Badge of Burnout: Leading by Example with Heather Vaughn

In this powerful episode, Heather Vaughn, EdS, Transformative Leader and Educator, shares her journey from early-career burnout to leadership grounded in humanity and wellness. We explore high-functioning depression, the cost of overachievement, and how small daily actions can shift school culture. Heather helps us see that educator wellness isn’t just optional- it’s a leadership responsibility.



S2 Episode 4 | From Military Collapse to Men's Mental Health Champion with Craig Madden

What happens when the very traits that fuel your success lead to collapse? In this raw and powerful episode, Army veteran and coach Craig Madden shares how years of emotional suppression in the British military led to physical and mental breakdown, and how he rebuilt his life from the ground up.



S2 Episode 3 | Leaders Who Listen: How Great Management Mitigates Teacher Burnout with Snezana Djuric

Have you ever wondered why so many passionate, dedicated professionals across industries eventually burn out? Whether you're a leader seeking to create more productive teams or someone struggling with workplace stress, this episode offers root cause analyses and actionable approaches to preventing burnout at multiple levels.



S2 Episode 2 | Finding Connection through Purposeful Empathy with Andre Bradford

"Vulnerability is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others." In this engaging episode, award-winning slam poet Andre Bradford shares how purposeful empathy—built on curiosity and vulnerability—can transform our workplaces and schools. A must-listen for leaders struggling with burnout culture.



S2 Episode 1 | Passing the Torch: The Evolution of TAUGHT with Melissa LeFort

In this special transition episode of TAUGHT, original host Melissa LeFort passes the mic to Amy as the podcast evolves from sharing stories of educator burnout to spotlighting systemic solutions. Their conversation reflects on the show’s deeply personal origins and sets the stage for a new season focused on reimagining what workplace well-being in education can look like.


Research-Based Resources for Educator Well-being 

Total Worker Health: A New Direction In Supporting Teacher Well-being

Learn how the Total Worker Health® approach offers schoolwide, systemic solutions to improve educator well-being—because burnout isn’t personal, it’s organizational. Read the brief.

Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: How to Get Started

This CDC resource helps K–12 leaders reflect, prioritize, and plan actionable mental health and well-being strategies that are most relevant to the needs of your school or district. Get the PDF guide.

The role of teacher autonomy in enhancing job satisfaction and mitigating burnout

This study highlights how autonomy, administrative support, and job satisfaction impact teacher burnout and why leadership matters for retention. Read the study.

Free Support from the University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Psychiatry

A platform dedicated to supporting Colorado's educational workforce with free mental health resources designed to assist you in navigating the challenges of the school year. Explore the collection.

A Common Language: Defining Wellness, Burnout, Resilience & Occupational Well-being

This clickable guide offers clear, research-based definitions of wellness, burnout, resilience, and occupational well-being - building shared language across education, health, and workplace settings.

What do we know about interventions to improve educator wellbeing?

A systematic literature review published in 2023 in the Journal of Educational Change identifies which interventions show the most promise for improving educator wellbeing. Access the article here.