Professional Development-Trauma Informed Presentation w/ Handouts

This resource is for professional development use for staff and the focus of this resource is to educate staff on the various types of trauma. This training can be led by a teacher, counselor, unit coordinator, or administrator.

This resource includes the following:

• Developing a Trauma Lens to Become Trauma Informed in our Practices Powerpoint Presentation
• Engaging Handouts & Activities for Staff for self-reflection during the training and team engagement regarding fictionalized student backgrounds.
• Handouts Include: Types of Trauma Worksheet (containing a graphic organizer asking staff to provide examples from the school and how may a person with this type of trauma feel), Fictional Scenarios w/ fictional students and Scenario Assessments to analyze the staff and student perspective on scenario, Handout containing cardinal symptoms of trauma, & take-away strategies when approaching students with trauma.

In classrooms that embrace a trauma-informed approach to learning, there are some key benefits for the students as well as the instructor. All students, those suffering from trauma and those who are not, benefit from a supportive environment that emphasizes empowerment, trust, safety, etc. Students who are coping with traumatic events benefit from instructors who are tuned into their needs and trained to foster collaboration. This includes looping in professional mental health providers, such as counselors, when necessary to enhance support for students who may be struggling. Teachers benefit from this collaboration. Plus, additional training helps them better manage traumatized kids, helping children avoid negative behaviors in favor of healthier coping methods.

Trauma-sensitive focus on education fosters a school climate where students feel safe and confident in their ability to learn, can differentiate between trauma induced behavior and appropriate behavior, and connect with adults and peers in a positive manner.