Teaching, Learning, and Trauma, Grades 6-12
Responsive Practices for Holding Steady in Turbulent Times
Foreword by Diane Sweeney
Transform challenging classroom experiences into opportunities for lasting student-teacher relationships, professional growth, and student engagement
Chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma have startling effects on teachers and students. The pandemic and distance learning have exacerbated behavior issues and emotional dysregulation, making it difficult for students to engage, learn, and maintain healthy self-esteem.
In Teaching, Learning, and Trauma, the authors guide you through the process of creating a learning environment that combats the negative effects of chronic stress and trauma. They show you how to establish rituals and routines, develop personalization, and implement effective student engagement practices that create a relationship-based culture and effectively improve student achievement. This book includes:
- Self-assessment tools to help teachers make informed decisions
- Examples of self-care plans and schoolwide policies for maintaining healthy boundaries in and out of school
- Real-world vignettes and samples of teacher work
- Planning documents and reflection questions to guide educators in identifying strengths and growth areas
Using a synergistic approach, this book unites compelling research data, theories, stories, and best practices from trauma-informed schools, relationship-based psychology, and effective instructional design to dissolve obstacles caused by chronic stress and trauma.
"Teaching, Learning, and Trauma is a book for educators who are in the trenches with students who have experienced chronic stress. While educators have always had to deal with a few students who have chronic stress, the number has risen dramatically. This book provides excellent guidance to educators around navigating trauma and stress in their classrooms."
I recommend Teaching, Learning, and Trauma for professional development for schools or systems that have not provided training on this topic or in the area of equity.