#31: Jack Greig, what is trauma-informed systems-aware wellbeing?

Jack Greig is a teacher, facilitator, and a Doctor of Education candidate at the University of Melbourne. He has worked in urban and remote communities, advocating for wellbeing and equity across school systems, and culturally responsive teaching in collaboration with First Nations and superdiverse school communities. Jack co-founded Teachers' Well, a community of practice for teachers leading wellbeing initiatives, and was a senior teacher on Yolŋu country in Northeast Arnhem Land, NT. Jack and Megan met a few years ago, their paths often crossed through mutual connections and a shared purpose before they decided to explore ways of connecting and working together.

In this episode, Jack and Megan discuss their understanding of trauma-informed systems-aware wellbeing practices, reflecting on their shared experiences and practices. Jack and Megan (with their colleague Paul Tupou-Vea) co-founded Teachers' Well as a community to support teachers to become "Wellbeing Education Leaders and Learners" (WELL). Members of the Teachers' Well community are supported in developing facilitation, leadership and wellbeing skills they can practice with their school communities.

Jack and Megan speak honestly about some of the challenges that emerged when co-creating a community of practice, along with the benefits of experiencing co-regulation, receiving support from peers, and feeling empowered to take courageous action. They take listeners around the Teachers' Well Compass, discussing the founding values of Purpose, Curiosity, Compassion and Courage.

This episode is not just for those working in education settings, but beneficial to anyone focused on human-centred work, trauma-informed wellbeing practices or those looking to develop their community of practice.

Jack mentions the following books:

Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education by Alex Shevrin Venet - https://www.routledge.com/Equity-Centered-Trauma-Informed-Education/Venet/p/book/9781032597133

Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together by William Isaacs - https://www.amazon.com/Dialogue-Thinking-Together-William-Isaacs/dp/0385479999

The Compassionate Systems Framework - https://systemsawareness.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Intro-CompassionateSystemsFramework-March-2019.pdf

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - https://www.amazon.com.au/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic-ebook/dp/B0CGWS3JQ6

Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute, https://wagtailinstitute.com/

Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: [email protected]

Wagtail Institute on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagtail.institute/

The episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Teachers' Well. You can learn more about their work or purchase a compass journal here: https://www.teacherswell.com/

Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/