This week I'm joined by one of my closest friends in the world, author and teacher Shannon McLeod. Shannon is the author of the wonderful new story collection Nature Trail Stories, as well as the novella Whimsy. She's also taught English at a high school and elementary school level and works as a reading specialist.  In this episode, I wanted to talk to Shannon about the realities that teachers today are facing.   We talked about: --How to be a better ally for teachers.  --What teachers today face, from shooting threats to phones in classrooms --Her tips and experience with burnout --The pandemic and remote teaching, and how she's seen kids change since  --How technology and trauma are impacting students' ability to read and write --How her teaching life informs her creative life --And much more! As always, I hope it's helpful. --- You can donate to Help Existing on my Venmo @rachel-krantz. Every bit helps!