Trauma-Informed Practices in Action: A Narrative Analysis of Holistic Implementation for Enhanced Student Support

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Decolonial Social-Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Addressing Social Issues (Table 9)

Abstract

A burgeoning literature highlights the positive impact of trauma-informed practices (TIP) in schools and the numerous ways in which teachers can implement TIP. Yet these studies lack specific examples that illustrate how TIP principles are incorporated into the classroom and how they interact synergistically. In this paper, we share how one teacher effectively integrates five key principles of trauma-informed practice—Compassion and Dependability, Empowerment and Collaboration, Resilience and SEL, Safety and Predictability, and Understanding Stress and Trauma—in supporting a student. By employing these principles holistically, this teacher enhances the learning environment and helps to foster improved experiences, outcomes, and equitable opportunities for all students.

Authors

• Kathryn S. Young, Metropolitan State University of Denver

• Ofelia Castro Schepers, Purdue University

• Megan Brennan, Resilient Futures