Insights and Highlights from the Trauma-Informed Schools Conference 2023

Insights and Highlights from the Trauma-Informed Schools Conference 2023

As we move towards a more holistic approach to education, we continue to recognize the significance of trauma-informed practices in schools. This year’s Trauma-Informed Schools Conference brought together leading professionals in the field to share insights, best practices and to highlight success stories.

Understanding Trauma-Informed Education

The conference emphasized the importance of trauma-informed education in creating safe and supportive learning environments for students. Participants learned about the prevalence of trauma and its impact on academic and behavioral outcomes, and how to recognize signs of trauma in students.

Educators need to change the traditional authoritarian model of teaching and make an extra effort to foster healthy relationships with students. Creating a safe and supportive environment is important, but this alone is not enough. Instead, educators need to ensure that they have sufficient training on how to respond to trauma to be able to help the students effectively.

Keynote Speakers

One of the keynote speakers was Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a pioneer in the field of trauma-informed education. Dr. Harris shared her expertise on the widespread impact of toxic stress in children and its impact on their adult lives. Her research and practical tools for recognizing and addressing stress were well received by attendees.

Administrators who struggle to get their schools equipped to provide their students with a trauma-informed curriculum found a lot of value in the session by Dr. Stacy Weiner-Krause. Dr. Weiner-Krause outlined the legal and ethical considerations around implementation, including how to get the necessary support from the district.

Best Practices

The conference also highlighted innovative practices from schools across the country. One particularly inspiring example was the daily mindfulness practice at Lincoln Elementary School in California. Before class, students have breathing and gratitude exercises to help regulate their emotions, set a positive tone for the day, and create a stronger sense of community in the classroom.

Another great example was something as simple as providing “calming corners” in classrooms. Students who feel anxious or angry can go to this space to calm down and take control of their emotions before returning to the learning. These subtle changes in the physical environment of the school can make a big difference in the way a child can handle a traumatic situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this year’s Trauma-Informed Schools Conference 2023 provided a wealth of insights and best practices for creating a trauma-informed learning environment. With over 1 in 4 students experiencing at least one episode of severe trauma before turning 16, this subject is more important than ever. School administrators and educators who attended the conference left with a better understanding of how to create safe and supportive learning environments. In an education system where trauma-informed education has not been prioritized, it is essential for us to continue to raise awareness and emphasize its importance.