Now, more than ever, we need to be intentional about fostering learning environments where everyone feels connected to each other and their school community. Our profession is uniquely positioned to serve in this important role. We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support you today and into the future. Here are some free resources. We will update this list periodically with additional resources.
Addressing Tragedy and Trauma, Mental Health, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Resources for educators
Videos
“Equity, Healing, and Hope: The Role of Trauma-Informed Teaching in Uncertain Times,” Webinar by Arlène Elizabeth Casimir (@ArleneCasimir), held November 2021 for the ACTFL Assembly of Delegates:
“3 Trauma-Informed Practices Backed by Science,” by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (via Edutopia):
“How Teachers Can Help Students Navigate Trauma,” TEDTalk by Lisa Godwin:
“A Crash Course on Trauma-Informed Teaching,” by Angela Watson through the “Truth for Teachers” podcast
Trauma-Informed Teaching
Below you will find great compilations of resources about trauma-Informed teaching, learning, and processing with students and for adults:
Document
Teaching and Learning on Days After: Tragedy and Trauma Resources Mental Health Resources Action (Particularly Related to Days After Gun Violence)
Courtesy of Dr. Kaitlin Popielarz (@KaitPopielarz)
Document
#EnoughIsEnough Syllabus: Responding to School Violence in the Classroom
Courtesy of Dr. Abigail Rombalski (@AbbyRombalski)
Resources From Other Organizations
Online Resource
School Shooting Resources
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (available in Spanish as well).
Research Articles/Books
Article
Public School Trauma Intervention for School Shootings: A National Survey of School Leaders
By Dr. Bree Alexander
PDF
Teaching through Collective Trauma in the Era of COVID-19: Trauma-informed Practices for Middle Level Learners
By Dr. Shantel D. Crosby, Dr. Penny B. Howell, Dr. Shellley Thomas
PDF
Trauma’s Effect on English Learners’ Language Acquisition: Best Practices for a Trauma-Informed Classroom
By Sydney Mason, a Capstone Project
Other Helpful Resources From Around the Web
- Common Ground. Call -1-800-231-1127; Or Text “Hello”; to chat with a crisis counselor.
- OK2SAY. Allows students to confer with a trusted adult in a safe space or anonymously report info. Call 855-565-2729; text 652729; or email OK2SAY@mi.gov. For emergencies, dial 911.
- The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers tips for on how to talk to children about violence (for parents and teachers).
- Also from NASP, Helping Children Cope with Terrorism-Tips for Families and Educators (available in multiple languages).
- Common Sense Media
- Verywell Family offers tips on talking to a child and/or teen about gun violence or school shootings.
- The American Psychological Association offers tips on managing your distress in a shooting's aftermath.
- The National Parent Helpline at 1-855-4 A PARENT (1-855-427-2736) offers emotional support from trained advocates Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Talking to Children About the Shooting.
- Harvard Graduate School of Education. Coping with Community Crisis.