Not so long ago, children who presented emotional and psychological challenges in school were considered troubled and treated as such. These challenges, often rooted in trauma, hinder academic progress and social development — which often leads to these children struggling as adults.
Luckily, educators nowadays are familiar with trauma-informed care strategies and better prepared to create safe, nurturing environments where students thrive. By pursuing advanced training, such as the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Trauma & Resilience in K-12 Settings online program from Avila University, educators gain the tools to transform lives while fostering resilience and academic success.
Identifying and Responding to Trauma Triggers
Trauma can manifest in students in various ways, often through behaviors that reflect underlying emotional distress. According to Scoot Education, trauma refers to “a physiological and emotional response to any deeply distressing or disturbing event or experience.” In the classroom, this might often appear as one of two patterns: hyperarousal or dissociation.
MAEC explains that hyperarousal involves heightened alertness and sensitivity to perceived threats, leading to emotional outbursts, exaggerated startle responses and difficulty adapting to change. Dissociation, on the other hand, reflects an overwhelmed nervous system, with students appearing detached, overly compliant and struggling with decision-making and memory retention.
Teachers should pay attention to several red flags. WASA outlines some examples which include expressing scary feelings, interpersonal conflicts, engaging in risky behavior, isolating and altering dietary patterns.
Creating a Trauma-sensitive Classroom Environment
A trauma-sensitive classroom promotes safety, trust and inclusivity. Educators can achieve this by establishing clear expectations, fostering positive relationships and maintaining a physically and emotionally safe space. The National Education Association (NEA) outlines several tips for educators, including:
- Create safe spaces for emotional expression: Provide areas where students can express themselves openly and feel heard. Support their autonomy by offering choices, encouraging activities like journaling, and incorporating calming spaces or active listening opportunities.
- Respond with empathy, not assumptions: In the same vein, avoid interpreting challenging behaviors as intentional defiance. Many actions stem from trauma responses. Educator self-care is also vital for maintaining a nurturing and supportive school environment.
- Accept limitations: “It is important to remember that students who are exhibiting trauma response behaviors may not be able to fully identify their feelings and emotions,” NEA notes. It is best to let students take their time to discuss the issues and arrive at their own conclusions.
- Identify potential triggers: Understand situations or activities that might provoke trauma responses in students. Both educators and students benefit from building awareness of trauma and adopting practices that reduce its impact.
- Ensure support throughout the school environment: Apply trauma-informed strategies consistently, from arrival to dismissal, which creates a school culture where students feel safe and empowered. Collaborate with families and communities to promote lasting student growth.
Implementing Social-emotional Learning in the Curriculum
Social-emotional learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in trauma-informed education, equipping students with tools to manage emotions, build relationships and make responsible decisions. Integrating SEL into the curriculum helps students develop resilience and coping mechanisms, which are essential for overcoming the effects of trauma.
Examples of SEL activities may include incorporating mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or guided visualization, into the daily schedule. Teachers can use literature to explore themes of empathy, perseverance and community. Finally, implementing group activities can foster collaboration and trust among peers.
Avila University’s Trauma-Sensitive Practices and Resilience course prepares educators to apply these principles effectively, while the Developing a School-wide Trauma-Informed Approach course equips them to embed SEL principles across subjects and grade levels. Together, these courses provide a comprehensive framework for creating supportive, inclusive school cultures.
Learn more about Avila University’s online Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Trauma & Resilience in K-12 Settings program.
