The school community is filled with powerful members. Teachers have the influence to guide students through their own experience and knowledge. Having a background education of trauma, educational leaders can see students in a compassionate perspective. Teachers must show up in a loving way to create a safe space for students in which to thrive.
The essential theme underlying this series is highlighted right in the podcast’s subtitle: a whole community approach. That means, to effectively identify and lessen the impact of student trauma requires mental health practitioners, faculty members, parents, and community members to work together. Brooke O’Drobinak, an administrator, teacher, and instructional coach, and Beth Kelley, a trauma informed consultant and conscious leadership coach offer a number of powerful ideas on how educators — without extensive training — can contribute to reducing the effects of trauma. That awareness and effort can in turn give educators greater confidence that they can have the desired impact.
The causes of student trauma are varied and complex. The cost of lasting trauma is high. It negatively impacts a student’s current mental health, their academic performance, and their long-term ability to be productive citizens.
Listen to author Christine Mason as she explores strategies for addressing student trauma on this Cultivating Resilience podcast.
Listen as author Christine Mason discusses mindfulness strategies for addressing trauma in school on the Cultivating Resilience podcast.
Listen as authors Victoria Romero and Justin Hendrickson discuss building resilience and addressing trauma through the lens of race.
Listen as author Amber Warner discusses the Role of the School Social Worker in addressing student trauma on the Cultivating Resilience podcast.
Because of the lost learning time during the pandemic, many schools are putting pressure on teachers and students to quickly catch up academically. But schools would do better to address social and emotional health services first, because 'trauma presents a huge barrier to learning'.
Along with their home and natural environments, a child’s community is now recognized as a potential contributor to adverse childhood experiences. The results can be devastating for development. Substandard schools, intolerance, discrimination, and racism can lead to chronic health issues, minimum employment, and long-term poverty. Authors and educators Victoria Romero and Justin Hendrickson take us through an explanation.