“We are not the survival of the fittest. We are the survival of the nurtured.” -Louis Cozolino
Research suggests that trauma is more common than we may think. More than half the students in our schools have experienced trauma, and when we consider students from urban school districts the numbers are higher. In the US, I in 3 children have experienced at least one ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience). Trauma is real, trauma is prevalent, and trauma directly affects learning and behavior. This is especially true right now with students, teachers, and families impacted by the pandemic and overdue calls for racial and social justice. As educators, we need to be aware and ready to support ourselves as well as our most vulnerable students. Learning methods of responding rather than reacting to traumatic adaptions (protective behavioral mechanisms) is more important than ever before. When held in mindful and compassionate learning environments, students can begin to heal, a necessary step in growing and learning. Psycho-education supports teachers in understanding the effects of trauma and ACE’s on the body, heart, and mind system. Through the cultivation of mindfulness and compassion practices, educators nurture presence and awareness helping them recognize the signs of trauma and respond in ways that support students through building caring and healthy relationships. Trauma-sensitive practices benefit all students and can be implemented in simple ways.
We also cannot speak of trauma without considering the lens of systemic racial inequities in our country. Working with mindfulness and compassion practices, educators can begin to look at the ways systems of oppression play out in our schools, and how our most vulnerable students are too often being re-traumatized. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion practices support educators in mitigating the effects of empathy fatigue and burnout. Learning self-care practices, educators can develop skills and learn tools to nurture resilience.
Professional Development Workshop for Educators Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness for Educators: Trauma Healing Classrooms Workshop Details: Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness for Educators: Trauma Healing Classrooms
Full and Half Days Available
Teachers will walk away with a clear understanding of trauma and ACEs and how these affect student learning and behavior. Teachers will also learn how trauma affects the brain, heart, and mind system. We will explore mindfulness practices that help teachers nurture presence and care, creating safe environments and building healthy relationships that support student learning and prevent triggered behavior. Through using Social and Emotional Learning practices, teachers will be ready cultivate trauma-healing learning environments in their schools. Participants will also learn mindfulness awareness and compassion practices that support resilience and self-care that translates into care for others. This workshop is designed to be experiential, informative, collaborative, and practical. Educators will walk away with specific tools and strategies they can implement immediately in ways that support all students, including those that have or are experiencing trauma, violence, or chronic stress.
Testimonials
“Learning trauma-sensitive mindfulness from Lina really gave me a greater understanding of how Adverse Childhood Experiences affect students physically and mentally. Not only did I learn about how students might be triggered and how I can support them, but how I can effectively implement several mindfulness activities. Lina is a wonderful teacher and is so passionate about the importance of mindfulness for educators as well as students. I would enthusiastically recommend her workshops!” -Reese, counselor; Township of Union School District “I loved the workshop and felt it was extremely beneficial for the staff. Many have asked for additional information on trauma! So exciting to see the staff realize the benefits for all. Thank you for the well organized and informative workshop.” -Sylvia Morano, Principal, D’Ippolito Elementary School, Vineland NJ
“I LOVED this workshop! As the years have passed, I have noticed that as each new group of students enter the classroom, the more issues there are with attention, academics, and discipline! I am overwhelmed, they are overwhelmed and learning is just not fun anymore! I think building relationships and instilling that love of learning at a young age is so important, yet overlooked because of all the pressures of being sure they are ready academically. The presenter was AMAZING and I felt that she addressed so many things that I have been feeling personally and professionally!” -Teacher, D’Ippolito Elementary School, Vineland NJ
For more information or to schedule a Professional Development Workshop at your school, please email Lina: stillnessrocks@gmail.com.