# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This video provides an overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), explaining how traumatic events in early life—such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—can have long-term effects on an individual's health and behavior.

Usage: Educators can use this resource to deepen their understanding of the impact of trauma on student learning and behavior, enabling them to implement trauma-informed teaching strategies that support all students, especially those who have experienced adversity.

Impact: By recognizing the signs of trauma and understanding its effects, teachers can create a more empathetic and supportive classroom environment, fostering resilience and promoting better educational outcomes for students affected by ACEs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Office of the California Surgeon General

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding ACEs: What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This NEA guide presents a comprehensive overview of trauma-informed practices designed to create safe and supportive learning environments. It outlines practical strategies for educators to address the impact of trauma on students by fostering a caring school culture, building strong relationships, and supporting student self-efficacy.

Usage: Educators can implement the outlined practices across various educational settings. Strategies include being aware of potential trauma triggers, showing compassion over judgment, providing safe spaces for students to express feelings, promoting a growth mindset, utilizing restorative practices, and ensuring personal wellness. These approaches aim to support students' mental and physical health comprehensively.

Impact: By adopting these trauma-informed practices, teachers can enhance their responsiveness to students' needs, leading to improved student engagement, reduced behavioral issues, and a more inclusive classroom environment. Additionally, acknowledging and addressing educator wellness contributes to a healthier school culture overall.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Trauma-Informed Practices (TIP) have been a topic of interest and need for the past several years. Researchers have defined TIP as a set of practices that address the impact of trauma by creating a safe and caring environment. Trauma-informed practices focus on creating a safe school culture, building relationships, and supporting students' self-efficacy. Despite the plethora of research on trauma-informed practices, sometimes research-based practices are disconnected from the daily needs of educators in the field.

Below is a list of common Trauma-Informed practices that educators can implement across all educational settings. This list has been reviewed by a group of educators representing education support professionals, teachers, and specialized instructional support personnel.

Support students from the bus stop to the classroom (and beyond!)
Using trauma-informed practices across all educational spaces can help educators collaborate to support student mental and physical health.Supporting students across settings helps to foster a positive school climate where students feel safe and confident. Be intentional in supporting families and community members in understanding and using trauma-informed practices for long-term student success.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
No matter where you work in our school communities, you can use these practices to create safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This brief video introduces common behavioral signs that may indicate a student is experiencing trauma, helping educators recognize the often invisible impact of adverse experiences.

Usage: K–12 educators can use this video as a quick and accessible tool to reflect on their students’ behavior through a trauma-informed lens, supporting early identification and classroom-based responses.

Impact: By raising awareness of trauma symptoms, this resource helps teachers respond with greater empathy and intentional support, building a safer and more inclusive classroom environment for all students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to spot the signs of trauma #teaching #education

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This document outlines a CDC training program developed in collaboration with SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, which introduces six guiding principles for trauma-informed approaches in emergency response. The six principles—Safety; Trustworthiness and Transparency; Peer Support; Collaboration and Mutuality; Empowerment, Voice and Choice; and Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues—are presented as essential to supporting communities affected by trauma during crises.

Usage: Educators and school leaders can adapt these six principles to the school setting to create trauma-informed classrooms and systems. By embedding practices that prioritize safety, collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment, schools can ensure a more responsive and supportive environment for students who have experienced trauma.

Impact: Applying these principles can shift school culture to one that promotes healing, equity, and psychological safety. Teachers trained in trauma-informed frameworks are better equipped to respond with empathy, build trust with students, and foster resilience through inclusive and transparent classroom practices.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Dr. Nadine Burke Harris explains how repeated exposure to adversity and toxic stress during childhood can lead to significant changes in brain development, hormonal systems, immune responses, and even gene expression. Dr. Burke Harris emphasizes that while ACEs can have profound impacts on health, interventions and supportive relationships can foster healing and resilience.

Usage: K–12 teachers can use this video to deepen their understanding of how trauma affects student behavior, learning, and health.

Impact: Educators may gain insights into the biological effects of trauma, which can enhance their practice by highlighting the importance of integrating strategies that address the root causes of behavioral and health issues, ultimately leading to more effective and compassionate care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Office of the California Surgeon General

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding ACEs with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Dr. Jacob Ham explores how trauma affects students' neurological states. Dr. Ham distinguishes between the "learning brain," which is open and receptive, and the "survival brain," which is activated in response to perceived threats, hindering cognitive functions essential for learning. Dr. Ham emphasizes the importance of recognizing these states to better support students who have experienced trauma.

Usage: K–12 educators can use this video as a resource to understand the impact of trauma on student behavior and learning, allowing them to create an environment that activates students' learning brains.

Impact: By understanding the distinction between the learning and survival brain, educators can develop strategies to help students transition into a brain state conducive to learning, which will enhance educational outcomes and emotional well-being for all students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding Trauma: Learning Brain vs Survival Brain

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: The CDC provides an in-depth look at Adverse Childhood Experiences, highlights the prevalence of ACEs, and discusses their long-term impacts on health, well-being, and life opportunities. It also emphasizes the importance of prevention and the role of safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments in mitigating these effects.

Usage: By recognizing the signs of trauma and understanding its impacts, teachers can implement trauma-informed practices in the classroom.

Impact: By adopting trauma-informed approaches, educators can reduce behavioral issues, improve student engagement, and promote a positive classroom climate. This not only enhances student outcomes but also contributes to teacher well-being by providing tools to manage classroom challenges associated with trauma-exposed students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Overview of adverse childhood experiences, the latest data, and CDC’s approach to prevention.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Effects of Child Maltreatment on Brain  Development

# data[].attributes.subject
The Effects of Child Maltreatment on Brain  Development

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This issue brief explores how child maltreatment, especially abuse and neglect, can significantly alter brain development, affecting both structure and function. It outlines how experiences during sensitive developmental periods shape the brain and details the effects of trauma on behavior, cognition, stress regulation, and emotional functioning.

Usage: Educators can use this resource to better understand trauma-informed practices by recognizing how early adversity might influence student behavior, learning, and social interaction. It supports the development of classroom strategies that promote emotional safety, secure relationships, and consistent routines—particularly for students with histories of trauma.

Impact:

This resource deepens teachers’ empathy and equips them with scientific insight into student behavior that may seem challenging. It empowers educators to respond with compassion and informed interventions, fostering resilience and supporting healing through positive adult-student relationships and predictable, nurturing environments.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary:
This comprehensive toolkit, developed by First Book in collaboration with the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), offers educators an in-depth understanding of childhood trauma, its sources, and its impact on student learning and behavior. It includes frequently asked questions, practical strategies, and resources to support students experiencing trauma.

Usage: K–12 educators can utilize this toolkit to identify signs of trauma in students and implement effective, trauma-informed teaching practices. It provides actionable steps for classroom management, strategies for emotional regulation, and guidance on collaborating with families and communities to support affected students.

Impact: By applying the insights and strategies from this toolkit, teachers can create a more supportive and understanding classroom environment. This approach not only aids in the academic success of students dealing with trauma but also promotes overall well-being and resilience among the student population.

# data[].attributes.headline
Trauma-Aware Teaching: A Checklist for Teachers

# data[].attributes.subject
Trauma-Aware Teaching: A Checklist for Teachers

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This checklist helps schools assess how well they are implementing trauma-sensitive practices across five key areas: school-wide policies, classroom strategies, mental health collaboration, family partnerships, and community linkages.

Usage: School teams can use this self-assessment tool to evaluate existing practices and identify areas for improvement using a 1–4 rating scale. It’s especially helpful for guiding school improvement plans, staff training needs, and developing consistent, supportive environments for all students, particularly those impacted by trauma.

Impact: Applying this checklist can lead to more coordinated, thoughtful, and equitable approaches to trauma-informed education. It empowers staff to embed student-centered practices that reduce re-traumatization and build resilience, while fostering stronger school-family-community collaboration.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This article delves into the profound impact of early childhood trauma on young learners, emphasizing how such experiences can disrupt their ability to form relationships, engage in play, and regulate emotions. The author illustrates how trauma can manifest in behaviors like aggression, withdrawal, or dissociation, which are often misinterpreted by educators.

Usage: Educators can apply the strategies outlined in this article to foster trauma-sensitive classrooms. This includes establishing predictable routines, creating safe spaces, and employing positive behavioral supports. Collaborating with families and specialists, when appropriate, is also highlighted as a key strategy in supporting children who have experienced trauma.

Impact: Implementing trauma-sensitive practices can lead to improved student behavior, stronger teacher-student relationships, and a more inclusive classroom environment. By understanding and addressing the effects of trauma, educators can play a pivotal role in supporting the emotional and academic development of all students, particularly those affected by adverse experiences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many early childhood educators are likely to encounter young children who have experienced trauma on a daily basis.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This handout outlines common trauma symptoms in students across five categories: physical, cognitive, social-emotional, language and communication, and learning. It provides educators with a detailed understanding of how trauma can manifest in various student behaviors.

Usage: Educators can utilize this resource to identify potential signs of trauma in their students and implement appropriate strategies. The handout offers practical approaches for creating a safe and predictable classroom environment, building strong relationships, and promoting self-regulation skills.

Impact: By applying the strategies outlined in this resource, teachers can foster a trauma-sensitive classroom that supports the emotional and academic well-being of all students. This proactive approach can lead to improved student engagement, reduced behavioral issues, and a more inclusive learning environment.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This fact sheet explains the signs of traumatic stress in children at different developmental stages, the biological “alarm system” response to trauma, and the long-term consequences trauma can have on health, learning, and behavior. It emphasizes that trauma can manifest uniquely in preschoolers, school-aged children, and adolescents.

Usage: Educators can use this handout to help identify trauma-related behaviors in students and understand how trauma influences emotions, attention, and classroom performance. The resource also provides simple strategies to help students regulate stress, such as recognizing body signals and practicing relaxation.

Impact: This resource empowers teachers with foundational knowledge about trauma’s effects, enabling more compassionate responses and better classroom management. Understanding trauma helps educators reduce punitive discipline and foster resilience through supportive relationships and stress-reducing routines.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: Jacquelyn Ollison delves into the concept of compassion fatigue, a condition often experienced by professionals in caregiving roles, including educators. She discusses the emotional toll that continuous exposure to others' trauma can have on individuals and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing this fatigue to maintain personal well-being and effectiveness in one's role.

Usage: Educators can utilize insights from this talk to identify signs of compassion fatigue in themselves and their colleagues. By understanding the symptoms and causes, teachers can implement self-care strategies, seek support when needed, and foster a supportive work environment that acknowledges the emotional challenges of the profession.

Impact: Addressing compassion fatigue is crucial for educators to sustain their passion and effectiveness in teaching. By proactively managing emotional well-being, teachers can prevent burnout, maintain positive relationships with students, and create a more resilient and empathetic classroom environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Compassion Fatigue | Jacquelyn Ollison | TEDxOhloneCollege

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This article delves into the phenomenon of compassion fatigue among educators, highlighting how continuous exposure to students' trauma can lead to emotional exhaustion. The piece emphasizes that many educators, especially in high-poverty schools, are susceptible to compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress, which can contribute to burnout and desire to leave the profession.

Usage: Educators can use this article to gain awareness of compassion fatigue, recognize its symptoms in themselves and colleagues, and understand the importance of seeking support. School administrators and policymakers can also utilize the insights to implement systemic strategies that prioritize educator well-being, such as providing mental health resources and reducing workloads.

Impact: By acknowledging and addressing compassion fatigue, educational institutions can foster healthier work environments, reduce teacher turnover, and ensure that educators are emotionally equipped to support their students effectively. Recognizing the emotional challenges educators face is a crucial step toward creating sustainable and supportive educational systems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'My Empathy Felt Drained': Educators Struggle With Compassion Fatigue | NEA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With mental health in the national spotlight, experts worry that the impact of compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress on educators is being left out of the conversation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Self-Care for Educators to Cope With Experiencing Student Trauma

# data[].attributes.subject
Self-Care for Educators to Cope With Experiencing Student Trauma

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This guide from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network addresses the emotional toll that working with traumatized students can take on educators, highlighting compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress. It outlines common symptoms, including irritability, concentration difficulties, emotional detachment, and intrusive thoughts, while emphasizing that such responses are not a sign of weakness but a natural consequence of empathetic engagement.

Usage: Educators can use this guide to recognize early signs of compassion fatigue and adopt preventative self-care strategies. It encourages team-based support, open dialogue (while respecting confidentiality), and professional counseling when needed.

Impact: By promoting self-awareness and emotional resilience, this resource helps educators maintain their well-being and effectiveness in supporting students. Prioritizing educator self-care also contributes to a healthier school culture where both adults and children can thrive.

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: This article addresses the challenges educators face when working with students who have experienced trauma. It introduces the concept of compassion fatigue and offers six strategies to help educators maintain their well-being.

Usage: Educators can implement these strategies to recognize signs of compassion fatigue and proactively address them. Schools can incorporate these practices into professional development and wellness programs to support staff.

Impact: By adopting these approaches, educators can sustain their emotional health, leading to improved job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and a more supportive learning environment for students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With such an overwhelming number of children facing trauma, it can be easy for educators to lose hope or burn out. They, and others in caring professions, can face "vicarious trauma," more commonly known as compassion fatigue-the cumulative, detrimental effect of working with survivors of traumatic life events. Symptoms can include insomnia, substance abuse, inability to focus, memory impairment, anxiety, depression, isolation, chronic fatigue, and more. So how can educators protect themselves from the many possible effects of vicarious trauma? Our Center for Special Education's Institute for Trauma Sensitivity (LIFTS) has some ideas.

1. Know what is yours to do.

Separate what you wish you could do from what you know you can do. You may feel that you are not doing enough-a sure way of developing stress and feeling overwhelmed. While you may not be able to prevent trauma or remove suffering children from their situations, you can do your job to the best of your ability, with love and compassion for both the students and yourself. Focus on the task at hand and be fully present for your students. You might begin the day by setting an intention such as, "Today my intention is to do my part in fostering a safe environment for my students..." And once your intention is set...

2. Let go of the result.

This is not to say that you stop caring about the efficacy of your teaching, connecting with students, or community building, it is to say that you can practice being less attached to exactly how you think things should look. When we loosen the grip on our ideas about the way things should be, we are much more open to new ideas and new ways of looking at things. Acknowledge the brain's desire for control with humor and compassion, and you create more space to find creative solutions.

3. Develop a self-care strategy.

Creating a strategy for taking care of yourself is a necessary step in avoiding compassion fatigue. Some ideas:

Spend quiet time alone to get centered and recount things that bring you joy and make you feel engaged with the world around you.

Integrate small steps toward wellness into your daily routine, such as eating better, getting outside, exercising, dancing, singing, or drawing.

Learn how to say no. There is a big difference between being dependable and always saying yes. Choosing to live in alignment with your own values, goals, mission and passion makes it easy to know when to say "yes" and when to say "no, thank you," alleviating resentment and allowing life to unfold more harmoniously.

4. Create a strong network.

In our competitive culture, it is easy to develop a sense that we have to go it alone. However, we are hardwired for connection and interdependence; it really does take a village. Build a professional community of trusted colleagues with whom you can share your vision, fears, hopes and successes. Look for allies to help in difficult situations-a maintenance specialist, office administrator, or the teacher next door might connect with a student who gives you the cold shoulder. Such relationships not only support you, they can help students build trust and confidence.

5. Be authentic.

In her book " The Gifts of Imperfection," author Brené Brown writes: "Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are. [It] is a collection of choices that we have to make every day to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen." Showing up as your truest self is an invaluable gift to your students. In meeting ourselves where we are, we give students permission to meet themselves where they are.

6. Practice mindfulness.

The physical and emotional benefits of mindfulness, or focusing one's attention on the present moment and accepting what is rather than what should be, are many. Where chronic stress can shrink essential brain structures, practice of mindfulness meditation can increase the mass of those same structures, leading to benefits such as improved memory and focus, better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced anxiety and depression. Even when practiced for just a few minutes every day, mindfulness meditation can lead to increased self-awareness, self-acceptance, greater empathy, closer connections, and an overall sense of well-being.

More importantly, mindfulness can provide a new perspective. Rather than identifying with a continual stream of thoughts, we identify with a deeper sense of awareness. This, in turn, can lead to an experience of compassion as an endless, rather than exhaustive, resource-toward yourself, your colleagues, and your students.

Read more about How to Be Mindful.

Trauma & Learning Resources

Helping Traumatized Children Learn, by the Massachusetts Advocates for Children Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative

The report summarizes the research on how child development is affected by trauma, noting the varied consequences for academic performance as well as social and emotional functioning. This book identifies the need for school-wide ecological supports (Trauma Sensitive Schools) as the basis for student success.
Helping Traumatized Children Learn Volume II
This report articulates the process for encouraging development of Trauma Sensitive Schools, through the creation of Learning Organizations within schools that follow an effective change process using an inquiry based methodology. A policy agenda calls for changes in laws and policies to support schools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Six Ways for Educators to Avoid Compassion Fatigue

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's easy to get overwhelmed by students' struggles. Here are some ways not to burn out when working with students with trauma.