Top 5 Key Takeaways from the Trauma Informed Schools Conference 2021
The Trauma Informed Schools Conference 2021 was a one-of-a-kind event that brought together professionals and practitioners from various fields to discuss and share insights on building supportive trauma-informed schools. The conference was held over two days and featured several keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and panel discussions. In this article, we highlight the top 5 key takeaways from this conference.
Takeaway #1: Understanding Trauma and its Impact on Students
The keynote speaker, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a pediatrician and author, emphasized the importance of understanding how trauma affects the brain and behavior of students. According to Dr. Burke Harris, students who have experienced trauma are at a higher risk of developing mental and physical health problems, behavior and learning challenges, and poor academic outcomes. It’s crucial, therefore, for educators to know how to identify and respond to trauma in their students.
Takeaway #2: Building Trusting Relationships with Students
One of the top strategies for creating trauma-informed schools discussed at the conference was the importance of building positive and trusting relationships with students. When students feel connected and valued by their teachers and peers, they’re more likely to feel safe and secure in their learning environments, which can lead to better academic performance, improved mental health outcomes, and reduced behavior problems.
Takeaway #3: Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
Another key takeaway from the conference was the need to create physically and emotionally safe learning environments for students. This means addressing issues such as bullying, harassment, and violence, as well as cultivating a school culture that supports positive behavior and social-emotional learning. In addition to creating safe learning spaces, educators should also focus on providing trauma-sensitive instruction and curricula that are aligned with students’ needs and interests.
Takeaway #4: Strengthening Staff Resilience and Self-Care
To effectively support students who have experienced trauma, it’s essential for educators and school staff to prioritize their own well-being. The conference emphasized the importance of building resilience and self-care strategies among teachers and other staff members to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. This includes providing opportunities for professional development, mindfulness practices, and supportive supervision to support staff as well as students.
Takeaway #5: Fostering Family and Community Engagement
Finally, creating trauma-informed schools requires partnerships and collaboration between schools, families, and communities. The conference highlighted the importance of fostering family and community engagement to provide social support and resources to students who have experienced trauma. This includes building avenues for two-way communication, partnerships with community organizations, and creating inclusive school environments that reflect the cultural diversity of the communities they serve.
Conclusion
The Trauma Informed Schools Conference 2021 provided valuable insights into the strategies, practices, and challenges of building trauma-informed schools. The key takeaways from the conference include understanding the impact of trauma on students, building positive relationships, creating safe learning environments, strengthening staff resilience, and fostering family and community engagement. By adopting these approaches, we can create schools that are safe, supportive, and inclusive for all students, particularly those who have experienced trauma.
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