Trauma-informed teaching (TT) is an active recognition that “up to two-thirds of U.S. children have experienced at least one type of serious childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, natural disaster, or experiencing or witnessing violence” (Minahan, 2019). TT includes ongoing use of an associated set of strategies designed to mitigate trauma impacts which compromise a student’s ability to learn. TT considers how trauma affects learning and behavior.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is both a physical and emotional reaction, sometimes chronic, to any intensely upsetting or threatening event. Examples include abuse/neglect, physical disasters, injury, loss of a loved one, bullying, poverty, violence, or discrimination, to name a few. Trauma is a deeply personal experience, rooted in the individual’s emotional and psychological experience.
Impacts from Trauma
Students experiencing trauma are more likely to fall behind academically and to present behavioral challenges. Educators shouldn’t assume a student's behavior is intentional without considering the potential influence of prior trauma. Trauma impacts include, but are not limited to:
- Trouble with executive functions like focus, organization, and self-regulation
- Taking longer to complete tasks/falling behind
- Irritability or restlessness
- Jumpy/anxious/nervous (on alert for threats, also known as hypervigilance)
- Behavioral changes
- Overreactions to everyday challenges
- Negative outbursts or aggression
- Frequent stomachaches or headaches
Trauma-Informed Process
The National Education Association defines trauma-informed practices as a framework that addresses the impact of trauma by creating a safe and caring environment. Trauma-informed teaching shows students that teachers care and can provide support.
Research offers many strategy recommendations – in fact, too many to explore fully in this issue. Rather, we strongly encourage every educator to review the list of resources below carefully.
Resources:
- ASCD Educational Leadership: Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies
- Understood: What is Trauma-informed Teaching?
- Child Mind Institute: How Trauma Affects Kids in School
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
- Truth For Teachers Podcast: A Crash Course on Trauma-Informed Teaching
Bonus Tips:
We’re excited to offer virtual Family Employment Awareness Training throughout May. Join all six sessions to learn about local, state, and federal resources supporting young adults with disabilities who want to work in their communities. Families, transition-age students, young adults with disabilities, and the professionals supporting them are welcome to attend. All sessions will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET.
- Monday, May 12: A New Path – High Expectations for Employment
- Tuesday, May 13: Individual Employment Possibilities
- Wednesday, May 14: Employer and Employee Supports
- Monday, May 19: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid
- Tuesday, May 20: Benefits
- Wednesday, May 21: Local and State Agency Presenters
To register and share this free learning opportunity, visit the CCLC FEAT Registration Form.