Trauma-Informed Practices

Many students enter our classrooms dealing with trauma, stress, and other issues that impact their ability to learn. Unfortunately, many educators have not been given the training needed to address these issues in accordance with our best understanding of neuroscience and psychology. As educators become trauma-informed, they become better positioned to provide the best responses, interventions, and resources to help all students achieve their greatest potential.

PD

GoBeYouniversity provides online training and courses for parents, educators, and clinicians who are interested in learning more about trauma and resiliency.

If you are interested in hosting professional development at your school or in your district, go to our PD page for a list of presenters and the sessions they offer. If you are a presenter and would like to be included on this page, please e-mail Todd Scholl.

Articles

Starting the Day With a Calming Routine

Social and Emotional Learning Exercises that help young students who've experienced trauma transition into the school day in a relaxed and ready state. For the past year and a half, I've been working with the directors and educators at St. Mary's Early Childhood Center in Indianapolis.

The How and Why of Trauma-Informed Teaching

Working with trauma-affected students is a difficult balancing act. We acknowledge the harmful impacts of the past, and hold out hope for a future of healing. We create a safe environment for students to share their lives, yet maintain professional boundaries.

When Schools Cause Trauma

Teaching Tolerance provides free resources to educators-teachers, administrators, counselors and other practitioners-who work with children from kindergarten through high school. Educators use our materials to supplement the curriculum, to inform their practices, and to create civil and inclusive school communities where children are respected, valued and welcome participants.

Teaching Your Heart Out: Emotional Labor and the Need for Systemic Change

Early in my teaching career, I made my second-grade class cry. I didn't mean to. I was teaching a lesson on writing with detail. My students-7- and 8-year-olds living in a big city, many of them in poverty-were sitting around me in a circle, notebooks and pencils in their laps.

Videos