Trauma Informed Education Resources for Teachers & Schools

While I've expierenced trauma in my life and worked with many students who stuggle, I am far from knowledgable about the best ways to help students who are experiencing trauma. The tweet above started me thinking about the topic and I started exploring to learn more. 

When I explore, I try share what I discover. Today, I wanted to share some of  the resources and books I discovered. I am sure there are many addtional resources and ideas I've not discovered, so if you have any suggestions, you can add a comment on the Twitter post or in the comments below. 

Web Resources

Edutopia has long been my starting point when I am exploring and idea or looking for anything connected to teaching and learning. Edutopia has an incredible collection of posts connected to support students experiencing trauma. 

Trauma-Informed Practices Collection

Learn what trauma-informed education is, its benefits, and how to get started on a classroom or school-wide level.

The National Education Association also has a post and collection of resources connected to supporting students.

Trauma-Informed Schools

Supporting students who suffer from childhood trauma requires whole school involvement and transformation. NEA and its affiliates are actively engaged in finding ways for schools and educators to address the issue of trauma and its implications for learning, behavior, and school safety.

It’s Survival. 13 Quotes on Trauma & Healing

What is trauma? Look it up in the dictionary, and you’ll find that it’s “a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.” And you know what? It’s painfully common.

Books and Additional Resources

I've not had a chance to explore many of these resources, so I am posting primarily based on the reviews. 

Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools: Your Guide to Creating Safe, Supportive Learning Environments for All Students

In the United States, at least one in four youth experiences trauma severe enough to negatively affect their school success.* Give hope and help to these students with this reader-friendly how-to guide, your springboard for building responsive, trauma-sensitive preK–12 schools.

Trauma-Sensitive School Leadership: Building a Learning Environment to Support Healing and Success

Many educators have heard about the need to implement "trauma-sensitive" practices in order to help students heal and succeed. But what does this look like on a day-to-day basis? What does it require of teachers and of those who lead them?

Building a Trauma-Informed, Compassionate Classroom: Strategies & Activities to Reduce Challenging Behavior, Improve Learning Outcomes, and Increase Student Engagement

Meeting your students’ social and emotional needs in the classroom is foundational to effective learning. It’s a difficult job among typical learners, let alone with students who have a trauma history and more demanding mental health or behavioral challenges. Mental health expert Jennifer Bashant details how using a trauma-informed approach will greatly reduce, even eliminate, challenging behavior in your classroom. 

RETHiNK Card Deck Mindful Conversation Starters: 56 Questions to Encourage Compassion, Shift Perspective & Build Connection

Whether you're at home, in the classroom, or running a clinical practice, these conversation cards are meant to get people thinking and talking about who they are, what they like, and how they interact with the world around them.

52 Essential Coping Skills Cards - Exercises for Stress Management, Anxiety Relief - Build Emotional Agility, Resilience, Confidence - Self Care Therapy Games for Teens, Adults

Build skills that matter in life! Learn how to navigate: anxiety, anger, disappointment, shame, guilt, jealousy, envy, daily stress, life transitions, healing from trauma, and a sense of belonging!