CTRC4 - Creating and Leading Trauma Sensitive Schools

Developing empathic and supportive environments where staff, students and their families feel safe requires leaders who promote and support whole-school trauma-sensitive practices reflective of a holistic view of education. Beginning with a foundational investigation of personal experiences and bias, students in this course will develop essential skills to analyze current systematic school practices, policies and values in order to support change at classroom, school and system levels.

Throughout the four classes of this course, students will explore the following:

Class 1: Exploring the role of the leader in trauma-sensitive schools.

Class 2: Review foundational models for implementation of school-wide trauma-sensitive practice.

Class 3: Investigating current practices and opportunities for change.

Class 4: Supporting staff in understanding and implementing trauma-sensitive practice.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will investigate foundational models for creating trauma-sensitive environments that respond to the needs of all learners.

• Understand how school data might be used to identify and advocate for change which aligns with trauma-sensitive practices.

Skills/Competencies:

• Students will create a data story to reflect the demographics of their school and their community to inform themselves of the real lives of students and staff with whom they work.

• Students will analyze current systemic practices for alignment with trauma-sensitive principles.

• Students will formulate a plan to support staff in implementing trauma-sensitive practices.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Trauma-Informed/Sensitive Pedagogies and Practices Microcertificate : Trauma-Informed/Sensitive Pedagogies and Practices Microcertificate