Develop an Understanding of the Biology of Trauma and Emotion

RATIONALE

Equipped with the knowledge of the biology of trauma and emotion, educators can understand student behavior in a depersonalized way: behavior as a means of communication that is biologically driven. When behaviors are interpreted in a depersonalized manner, teachers can then regulate their own stress response systems (“keep their own amygdalas in check”), which allows them to be the supportive adults that kids need to grow and thrive. For this reason, establishing this foundational understanding is incredibly important now given the collective trauma of the past year and how it might manifest in the classroom this fall.

"Trauma is both physiological (body) and psychological (mind). This means that sometimes our bodies respond to trauma through physical outbursts, crying, or completely shutting down. And sometimes our minds respond to trauma in the form of depression, anger or anxiety."

The Momentous Institute

Learn more about how trauma manifests in the classroom in this article.

CONCRETE STRATEGIES

DISTRICT-LEVEL

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Support Teachers’ Understanding through Training

Plan professional development for teachers on the biology of trauma and emotion before the school year starts and continue these sessions throughout the year.

2. Support Teachers’ Understanding in the Classroom

Offer consistent and ongoing coaching to teachers that supports them in recognizing and responding to student’s emotional reactions and brain states in the classroom.

CAMPUS-LEVEL

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Provide Space for Sharing Best Practices

Introduce self-regulation share outs as a regular practice at staff meetings so that teachers can share and learn best practices for responding to the student behavior.

2. Provide a Structure for Continued Learning

Consider establishing a book study group for teachers and administrators to dive deeper into this topic (see the first book listed in the resources below for a recommendation).

RESOURCES

Watch TEA's video from the Texas Project Restore on Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Read The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Seigel & Tina Payne Bryson

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has an expansive library of relevant resources. See for instance the Key Concepts on the science behind brain development