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Before you can reach a student’s head to learn, you have to reach their heart and earn their trust. Educators should strive to be that support, especially during this pandemic and amid the civil unrest we are experiencing.
It’s likely that the trauma some students were experiencing before the pandemic struck may be escalating as a result of being forced to shelter at home. When school starts up again in the fall and on-site instruction resumes (even just a couple of days a week), students will need support in processing their emotions, learning to reconnect with their teachers and peers and catching up academically.
Pre-pandemic, nearly a third of teenagers had experienced a trauma or were in a chronic state of trauma such as abuse, homelessness, foster care, hunger, bullying, substance abuse in the home and even human trafficking.
Traumatized children who learn to thrive have someone in their life who encourages them and believes in their success.
All school leaders can educate teachers on a trauma-informed approach to learning. Here are seven key principles educators can implement now:
Just because we’re not in the same room as our students, we still need to support their social-emotional health and help them cope.
School leaders who understand and integrate trauma-informed practices into teaching will find greater and long-term success for students. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
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Caprice Young is national superintendent of schools for Learn4Life, a network of nonprofit, public charter high schools that serves at-risk students by creating individualized educational programs.
The opinions in this commentary are those of the author. Commentaries published on EdSource represent diverse viewpoints about California’s public education systems. We welcome guest commentaries from teachers about how they are adapting to distance learning. If you would like to submit a commentary, please review our guidelines and contact us.
A grassroots campaign recalled two members of the Orange Unified School District in an election that cost more than half a million dollars.
Legislation that would remove one of the last tests teachers are required to take to earn a credential in California passed the Senate Education Committee.
Part-time instructors, many who work for decades off the tenure track and at a lower pay rate, have been called “apprentices to nowhere.”
A bill to mandate use of the method will not advance in the Legislature this year in the face of teachers union opposition.
Comments (6)
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Nadine Fairy 3 years ago3 years ago
This is so touching, especially the fact that the teacher’s daughter was there where you told the story. I love this. Teachers make a lot of impacts.
Rosie 4 years ago4 years ago
I’m with you on this. First of all, it is necessary to realize and accept your feelings, and only then with this calmness, you can influence your students. It’s more important than ever to care and hear each other, especially for teachers. Helpful reminder. Thanks!
Abigail Wenderson 4 years ago4 years ago
Such great tips, if these tips should seriously be taken by the teacher, it will be of great help to students
Junko Hosoi 4 years ago4 years ago
1. Class expectations
2. Get to know
3.How to use zoom
Bo Loney 4 years ago4 years ago
Why are many of our students reaching high school reading at a 5th grade level? How did this happen?
Pooja Josh 4 years ago4 years ago
Two things, I believe can work if we deliver this compassionately.
Give them a personal touch to the feelings.
Make them aware of the surroundings.
This is once in the lifetime situation and every one around is scared. So, it is important to handle the matter with delicacy and make them aware of the situation to face it.
Cheers, Very well written Ms. Young. 🙂