Trauma and learning in America’s classrooms

Abstract

Whether they work in a rural, urban, or suburban district, all teachers should expect to confront children who have had adverse childhood experiences involving trauma. All teachers should understand how trauma affects students’ social, emotional, and academic growth. The more that teachers understand how traumatic experiences affect student competencies, the more proactive they can be in creating trauma-sensitive learning environments. Trauma-sensitive schools provide a safe and respectful environment that enables students to build caring relationships with adults and peers, self-regulate their emotions and behaviors, and succeed academically, while supporting their physical health and well-being.