Practical Tips for Creating a Safe and Supportive Space for Students
‘Get Out of Your Ego’
Trauma affects many of my students and impacts their learning, engagement and behavior. Creating a trauma-informed classroom has been positive for both my students and myself. Below are some of the practical steps I take to create a trauma-informed classroom environment.
*Do assume - I start every school year from the premise that trauma - no matter how that might be defined - is, or has been, a part of many of my students’ lives. I use a trauma-informed mindset from the beginning. It is a proactive approach that, in the long run, helps me build stronger relationships with my students.
*Observe, don't judge - Remember, students are not - and should not be - like you. They are, most times, not responsible for what life has been like for them up until this point. As children, they had no control over the choices the adults and caregivers in their lives made. What they do have control over now - especially when dealing with adolescents - is how they react and move forward. As their teacher, our job is to observe their behaviors and reactions and help them learn new ways to cope that do not interfere with their learning and success. Teachers can not do this effectively if they are in their own heads with judgements and excuses.
*Reframe - See the challenging behavior students present as what they might need now or needed in the past to survive difficult events. The trauma response behaviors they show in the classroom can be seen as personal strengths in other situations. Sometimes students need help understanding the appropriate time and place for certain behaviors. Providing a safe, positive and supportive classroom space gives students the opportunity to take risks and try new ways to behave and react.
*Be aware - Always remember that someone in your class might have triggers to certain topics. Be prepared and proactive. Think carefully ahead of time about books, materials and topics to discuss in class and how it will impact a student. This is another reason why it is key to build rapport with your students and get to know their background. If you know this information ahead of time, you can avoid missteps.
*Respect privacy - Be mindful of sharing sensitive student information with other teachers and staff. Do not gossip about a student’s background or share private information a student shared with you in confidence. If the student is old enough, ask for their permission to share sensitive information.
*Reflect on your practice - Get out of your brain and your ego. Be objective as you reflect on your interactions with students. Repeat or change when needed. This involves taking a risk. There is no assurance this change will be the magic bullet. Experiment with different approaches to help students be in their best place to learn. Lean on your colleagues for help.
*Take care of yourself - Compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma are real. Teachers need to take active steps to recharge themselves. The stress of this work can accumulate without you realizing it. Check in regularly with yourself and make sure you have supports for yourself already in place.
*Every day is a new day - Come back refreshed and keep trying. None of these ideas are easy and, for me, it is always a work in progress. I remind myself that the goal is not perfection but maintaining my commitment to help my students achieve their potential and be their best selves for what the world needs now.