When I started teaching, I worked at a therapeutic day school with a residence and schools in and around Buffalo, NY.  It was a place where every teacher was certified in Special Education, with small class sizes, specially trained staff, and counselors to work with kids on goals to improve their learning, engagement and overall well-being.  Children and young adults enrolled in this program did not get there because everything was going according to plan in their local public schools. 

I worked in the high school program during the school year, and during the summer, I spent time working in the elementary school.  During the summer program, we’d often take walking trips to a nearby fountain where the littles would splash and play in the sun – wearing sunscreen, of course.  There are moments in my career that haunt me – and it was there in one of my first years as a teacher I was given a most disturbing and unforgettable memory. 

The children, around eight years old, would take turns going into the lavatory connected to the classroom to change into their bathing suits.  One of my students (we will call him Kevin) came out without a shirt on.  As he passed me, I noticed some marks on his back and then looked closer, following him.  They were scars and welts.  Unmistakable, painful-looking loops.  I asked Kevin to come with me outside the classroom, away from the other children, and careful about how I posed the question, getting on my knees to be at the same level as he was tall…” Hey Kev – what’s those lines I see on your back?”  He responded nonchalantly, “Oh, that’s from where my Mama whooped me.”  Me, “What she whoop you with?”  Kevin, “Extension cord.” 

To the nurse, we went, and within an hour, my Principal and I were making a statement to New York State Department of Social Services staff and a local police officer.  I was trained for this and was even told to expect it.  The children we had in our care did not get there by accident.  Things happened.  Things that changed the way they saw and interacted with the world.  From that moment on, when Kevin would tip a desk, attack a peer, or throw something, I saw it differently. 

Today's education landscape is more diverse and complex than ever before, with schools responsible for nurturing students’ intellectual growth and emotional and social well-being. As we delve further into the 21st century, the most innovative approach in our schools gaining traction is the implementation of trauma-informed practices.

A trauma-informed school is defined by its recognition of the widespread impact of trauma and its commitment to identifying and addressing the effects of trauma on students. These schools understand that student’s disruptive behavior or poor academic performance might be signs of underlying trauma. They recognize that the approach to these issues needs to be empathetic and supportive rather than punitive.

Below, you can see what we are looking to foster in this work – and as you read this list, think about how it impacts all kids – not just those who have been through the tough stuff:

Safety: Trauma-informed schools prioritize physical, emotional, and psychological safety. They provide an environment where students feel secure, respected, and comfortable.

Trustworthiness & Transparency: These schools maintain consistent boundaries and expectations and ensure that important decisions are made with transparency, which aids in establishing trust.

Collaboration Empowerment, Voice & Choice: Trauma-informed schools emphasize the importance of shared decision-making, where everyone’s voice is heard and respected, promoting collaboration and equality. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings, and their choices are respected and supported.

Peer Support: These schools advocate for peer support systems, recognizing that mutual self-help can effectively establish safety and hope. 

Impact on ALL Students

Trauma-informed schools provide numerous benefits for all students, not just those who have experienced trauma. They foster a compassionate, supportive, and non-judgmental environment that promotes emotional safety and strong relationships.

This approach enhances resilience and the ability to cope with stress among all students. Students are empowered to improve their self-esteem and self-efficacy by focusing on building strengths and promoting stability. Additionally, these environments help all students improve social-emotional skills, enhancing their ability to empathize with others and understand different perspectives.

Impact on Staff

In trauma-informed schools, the staff doesn't just change how they interact with students; their thinking and behavior also transform. The staff is trained to understand the signs of trauma, which leads to a shift from asking, "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" This shift results in more empathetic, understanding interactions that prioritize healing over punishment.

The staff members also learn strategies to avoid compassion fatigue and burnout, which can be expected in educational environments. They are taught self-care strategies and the importance of seeking support when needed.

Relationships

The heart of a trauma-informed approach in schools lies in cultivating developmental relationships. These relationships are defined by expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power, and expanding possibilities. Such relationships contribute significantly to student achievement by providing emotional support and encouraging perseverance. They foster a sense of belonging, enhancing the student's motivation, engagement, and overall academic performance.

Furthermore, students with strong developmental relationships are more likely to develop crucial socio-emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

Trauma-informed schools, underpinned by an understanding of the impacts of trauma and the benefits of developmental relationships, are revolutionizing education. They offer promising practices for transforming the school environment into a safe, supportive space where every student can thrive. This innovative approach to teaching benefits students who have experienced trauma and positively impacts all students, staff, and the wider school community, promising a brighter future for education.

This one is for Kevin.