Trauma-informed teaching asks us to pause and consider something deeper: What might this student be trying to communicate?

<p>Imagine supporting a student who suddenly shuts down, refuses to work or becomes escalated after what seemed like a small interaction or redirection. In moments like these, it can be easy to focus only on the behavior happening in front of us. Trauma-informed teaching asks us to pause and consider something deeper: <em>What might this student be trying to communicate?</em></p>

<h2> Supporting Students Regardless of Communication</h2>
<p>It's important to keep in mind that all behavior is a form of communication. Sometimes as educators, we are aware of the trauma our students have experienced. Other times, we may see a student lashing out without any prior knowledge or understanding as to why. The challenge for us as educators is to support students through a trauma-informed lens, whether we have context as to why the behavior is happening or not.</p>
<h2> How Does Past Trauma Present</h2>
<p>Trauma can impact how students experience school, relationships, stress and feelings of safety. According to the University of Georgia Center for Teaching and Learning,&nbsp;trauma can affect emotional regulation, decision-making and a student’s ability to respond to stress. When students feel overwhelmed or unsafe, their brains shift into survival mode. When this happens, the body's automatic survival mechanisms kick in, and students may fight, flight, freeze or fawn.</p>
<p>In the classroom, these core survival responses may show up as:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Elopement</li>
  <li>Physical or verbal aggression</li>
  <li>Task refusal</li>
  <li>Withdrawal or lack of participation</li>
  <li>Perfectionism or fear of making a mistake</li>
</ul>
</br>
<p>While these behaviors can be demanding, trauma-informed teaching reminds us that students often need support, regulation and connection before they can fully engage. Safety, predictability, relationship building and student voice are at the foundation of trauma-informed practices. Students need to feel emotionally and relationally safe in order to learn and productively interact with those around them. The tone we use, the way we redirect, and how we respond during difficult moments all contribute to the environment students experience throughout the day.</p>

<h2> How to Support Students</h2>
<p>For many students, knowing what to expect throughout the school day can make them feel significantly safer. Even the smallest moments of stability, such as greeting a student warmly, previewing schedule changes or calmly following through on expectations, can help students feel more grounded and secure.</p>

<p>Another way to support students through the lens of trauma-informed teaching is choice. Simple choices, such as where to sit, which task to begin first, or when to take a short break, can help students feel more empowered and regulated. It’s not uncommon for students to have very little decision making power in their lives so providing this in the classroom goes a long way.</p>

<h2> De-escalation in the Classroom</h2>
<p>If and when students do get escalated, it is important to remember that the goal of de-escalation is NOT compliance. The goal is to help the student return to a state of calm where clear thinking, learning, communication and problem-solving are possible again.</p>

<p>Remember, it's important to connect with students before beginning to correct them. The National Education Association (NEA) emphasizes meeting students with compassion instead of judgment and building trust through relationships. In order for students to fully engage in learning, they need to know they are cared for by trusting adults who support them. This does not mean removing all boundaries and expectations, but instead, it means approaching students with curiosity, patience, and respect while still maintaining structure and support.</p>

<p>At the heart of trauma-informed teaching is empowerment. Ultimately, as educators, we want students to build the skills and confidence to function independently both in and out of the classroom. Oftentimes, that begins not with a consequence or correction, but with a regulated adult who is willing to pause, listen, and see the student beyond the behavior.</p>

<h2> Working with Cross Country Education</h2>
<p>Cross Country Education works with school professionals nationwide in finding them their next school-based job. We also offer professional development services. <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/education/talent-professions?utm_source=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Blog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about us today!</p>

<h3>Resources:</h3>
<ul>
  <li><strong>University of Georgia Center for Teaching and Learning</strong>
  </br>
  <em>Trauma-Informed Teaching</em></br>
  <a href="https://ctl.uga.edu/teaching-resources/evidence-based-teaching-strategies/trauma-informed-teaching/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ctl.uga.edu/teaching-resources/evidence-based-teaching-strategies/trauma-informed-teaching/</a></li>
  
  <li><strong>National Education Association (NEA)</strong></br>
  Trauma-Informed Practices</em></br>
  <a href="https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/trauma-informed-practices" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/trauma-informed-practices</a>
  </li>

  <li><strong>National Education Union (NEU)</strong></br>
  <em>Trauma-Informed Approach and Impact</em></br>
  <a href="https://neu.org.uk/latest/library/trauma-informed-approach-and-impact" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://neu.org.uk/latest/library/trauma-informed-approach-and-impact</a>&nbsp;</li>


  <li><strong>National Education Union (NEU)</strong></br>
  <em>Six Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach</em></br>
  <a href="https://neu.org.uk/latest/library/six-principles-trauma-informed-approach" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://neu.org.uk/latest/library/six-principles-trauma-informed-approach</a></li>
</ul>



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