Cultivating Productive Action through Witness and Testimony: Insights from Teacher Candidates in a Trauma-Informed Book Club

• In Event: Roundtable Session IV
  In Roundtable Session: Bridging the Divide Preservice Teachers Supporting Students' Success

Abstract

This presentation explores a trauma-informed book club for preservice teachers who read The Vulnerable Heart of Literacy: Centering Trauma as Powerful Pedagogy by Elizabeth Dutro (2019). Participants deepened their understanding of trauma, critically examined deficit narratives, and explored instructional strategies that support vulnerability and reciprocity in the classroom. Findings emphasize the role of testimony and critical witnessing in literacy instruction, providing educators with practical strategies for integrating trauma-informed pedagogy into daily practice.

Authors

• Leslee Bailey Tarbett, Western Kentucky University

• Nancy Franklin Hulan, Western Kentucky University