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As part of my project, I wanted to connect with Educators in Aotearoa who are on the Trauma Informed Practice Journey . These Educators have inspired me and helped me understand how I can be Trauma-Informed in my mahi. Often we learn best from those around us.
I asked three questions
How did your journey into Trauma Informed Practice start?
What do you think Kaiako could be doing to support tamariki who have experienced trauma?
Your one key message or things kaiako could be doing in the classrooms so tamariki can navigate the classroom better and help make our Kura a more trauma-informed space.
I have spoken with inspirational Educators from across the sector. I am so grateful to them for sharing their wisdom.
Lynda Knight- de Blois
Lynda Knight-de Blois is the Principal of Glenview School in Porirua. She is regarded as one of the leading voices in Trauma-Informed Education in Aotearoa. I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to korero with her and receive Lynda's wisdom firsthand.
Lynda's leadership and passion for making a difference is inspiring.
I recommend you listen to Lynda's interview on Jase William's podcast Unconditional.
Tualoaina Latu To'omaga
Latu is the director of the Positive Impact Consultancy. He is a teacher, parenting expert, mentor and presenter for the Brainwave Trust Aotearoa. Latu is currently working towards his doctorate in Education and all his mahi is guided by neuroscience.
Latu speaks of his own trauma and challenging childhood and how he healed himself as a 50 year old. His story is inspiring.
Latu speaks with love, compassion and the power of relationships with ākonga.
Jase Williams
Jase kindly emailed me his response to my patai. I recommend you to follow Jase on Instragram and listen to his podcast Uncoonditional with Jase Williams. I learn from his posts everyday.
To me trauma informed isn't something you can capture in activities or resources. It's something that truly has to be felt and this is why I dont have online course content I deliver - it's always been in person. There should be podcasts and written content out there of and from me that could be helpful.
My view is Trauma informed practice is essentially the science of learning aka connection. Trauma Informed practice supports the teacher to respond rather than react whenever they become triggered by whatever 'annoying' thing a child does. When we are trauma informed the 'annoying' thing is purely just an annoying thing. But when we're not trauma informed the annoying thing HURTS us. By being Trauma Informed we are moving away from control and compliance and manipulation through rewards and punishment and replacing this with CONNECTION.
I recommend you watching Jase's Tedtalk.
Karllie Clifton
Karllie Clifton an educator who has worked in the secondary space for more than 20 years and has has just been appointed a school principal in Term 4 2024. Karllie completed her Master of Education degree in 2023 . As part of her Masters of Education she looked at Trauma . Karllie is very passionate about this kaupapa and sees it as a game changer for our tamariki, rangatahi and wider communities.
Frian Wadia
Frian Wadia is the founder and Chairperson of Natina . Frian is an advocate for Inclusion and Equity for Disabled Children, and an Early Intervention Specialist at Autism NZ. I am very grateful to have had the chance to korero with Frian. I recommend you join the Natina Facebook group and attend their hui.
Frian also explained Vicarious and Secondary Trauma.
Cath Barrie
Catherine Barrie is an RTLB from Cluster 34 in Ōtautahi, Her varied experiences as an RTLB, SENCo, primary kaiako, teacher fellow in Early Intervention, and hospital school teacher come through in this korero and Cath offers practical strategies for kaiako.
Catherine completed a Master of Specialist Teaching through Massey University in 2023.
Sheryl Brown
Sheryl is a Learning Support Co-ordinator based in Te Kāhui Ako o Te Ngaengae . Sheryl has a wealth of knowledge and has trained in the Neurosequential Model in Education.
Sheryl speaks of the importance of relationships.
Melissa Brooke
Melissa Brooke is the Manager of Te Pa Harakeke (Conductive Education Unit) at Naenae Primary School. Melissa is an inclusive practitioner who has wealth of knowledge and always put tamariki at the centre.
Melissa shares her wisdom on thinking about the sensory needs of ākonga.
Anna Oosterkamp
Anna Oosterkamp
Anna Oosterkamp is a classroom teacher from Waipawa. Anna shares her wisdom on using Mandala to teach ākonga about mindfulness and self-regulation.
Anna also discusses how mandala have helped develop relationships with ākonga and the positive impact on her own well-being. Anna shares how meditation through mandala has helped with her own regulation and managing the demands of the classroom.
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