What is Trauma-informed teaching?

Trauma-informed teaching is an approach to education that recognizes the impact of trauma on students' learning and development, and seeks to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. This approach acknowledges that students may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and seeks to understand and address the ways in which these experiences may affect their behavior, emotional well-being, and ability to learn.

A trauma-informed teacher is aware of the signs and symptoms of trauma, and takes steps to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes healing and resilience. This includes using strategies such as building relationships, establishing clear and consistent routines, and providing opportunities for students to have a sense of control over their learning experiences.

Trauma-informed teaching also involves engaging in ongoing professional development to increase knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma on learning, and using this knowledge to inform teaching practices and strategies. By taking a trauma-informed approach, teachers can help to create a supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being for all students.

5 things to know about Trauma-informed teaching

1. Trauma-informed teaching acknowledges the impact of trauma on students' learning and development.

2. It seeks to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that promotes healing and resilience.

3. A trauma-informed teacher is aware of the signs and symptoms of trauma, and uses strategies such as building relationships and establishing clear and consistent routines to create a supportive classroom environment.

4. Trauma-informed teaching involves ongoing professional development to increase knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma on learning.

5. By taking a trauma-informed approach, teachers can help to create a supportive learning environment that promotes academic success and well-being for all students.

5 ways to implement Trauma-informed teaching

1. Create a safe and supportive classroom environment: This can involve establishing clear rules and expectations, using positive reinforcement, and creating a sense of belonging and connection among students.

2. Build relationships with students: Trauma-informed teaching involves developing strong, supportive relationships with students. This can involve taking the time to get to know students, listening to their concerns and needs, and being available for support and guidance.

3. Use trauma-sensitive instructional strategies: This can involve using instructional approaches that are flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of individual students. It can also involve using instructional strategies that promote a sense of control and autonomy, such as choice-based or student-centered learning.

4. Incorporate self-regulation and coping skills into the curriculum: Teaching students self-regulation and coping skills can help them to manage their emotions and behaviors, and cope with stress and adversity.

5. Engage in ongoing professional development: It is important for teachers to continuously learn about the impact of trauma on learning, and to stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based strategies for supporting students who have experienced trauma. This can involve participating in professional development opportunities, reading research articles and books, and seeking support and guidance from colleagues and experts in the field.

5 trauma-sensitive instructional strategies

1. Choice-based learning: This approach allows students to have some control over their learning, by offering them a range of options for how to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. This can help students to feel more empowered and motivated to learn.

2. Student-centered learning: This approach places the student at the center of the learning process, allowing them to take an active role in their own learning. It can involve using inquiry-based or project-based learning approaches, which allow students to explore topics that are of interest to them and to learn through hands-on experiences.

3. Mindfulness and meditation: Teaching mindfulness and meditation techniques can help students to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and improve focus and attention.

4. Social-emotional learning: This approach focuses on teaching students social and emotional skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. These skills can help students to better navigate their relationships and to manage their emotions and behaviors.

5. Trauma-sensitive curriculum design: This involves designing lessons and activities that are sensitive to the needs and experiences of students who have experienced trauma. It can involve using a trauma-sensitive lens to examine the content and delivery of instruction, and making adjustments as needed to support student learning and well-being.