Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools

Give hope and help to students who experience trauma with this reader-friendly how-to guide, your springboard for building responsive, trauma-sensitive preK–12 schools. Drawing on her extensive experience as a school counselor, trainer, and mother, trauma expert Jen Alexander delivers a comprehensive framework for building a safe, supportive school environment that helps all students learn and thrive. You’ll start with an evidence-based introduction to the profound impact of trauma on a child’s development, attachment, and behavior. Then you’ll get an effective multi-tier system of support (MTSS) for developing a trauma-sensitive learning environment, including both universal strategies (Tier 1) and more intensive interventions (Tier 2 and Tier 3) for students who need more support.

Discover how to

•make five key shifts in the way you view and approach students so that you’re better equipped to support them
•work together to prioritize resilience by actively putting relationships first in your school
•implement universal instructional strategies that foster safety, connection, regulation, and learning for all students
•use special supports, supplemental instruction, and coaching when universal strategies aren’t enough
•incorporate restorative discipline practices that focus on restitution, not retribution
•create a personalized self-care plan to reduce the effects of job-related stress

With this engaging, practical guide to what works and why, your school team will gain insights and develop action plans that make a real difference in the lives of all kids, including our most vulnerable youth.

Includes practical materials:
•Creative activities for teachers
•Powerful case stories
•Sample dialogues and scripts for educators and counselors
•Reflection and brainstorming worksheets
•Templates and handouts for use with students

"Are you working with children who struggle because of their history of adverse experiences? You need this book--even if you already have a full shelf. Packed with stories, wisdom, and practical tools, this is a resource you'll come back to over and over again for ideas, support, and encouragement." --Jody McVittie, M.D.

Jen Alexander is a school counselor, speaker and consultant for Attachment and Trauma Network (ATN), and a co-leader of their Trauma Sensitive Task Force, in charge of professional development trainings for schools and districts. Ms. Jen is an educator with over fifteen years of experience helping youth (some traumatized, some not) as a former special education teacher and current school counselor in Iowa. She holds degrees in psychology and special education teaching, as well as a masters degree in professional school counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. She is a nationally certified counselor and registered school-based play therapist. Jen is also a mom, presenter, and someone who appreciates all things creative.

Give hope and help to students who experience trauma with this reader-friendly how-to guide, your springboard for building responsive, trauma-sensitive preK-12 schools. Drawing on her extensive experience as a school counselor, trainer, and mother, trauma expert Jen Alexander delivers a comprehensive framework for building a safe, supportive school environment that helps all students learn and thrive. Youll start with an evidence-based introduction to the profound impact of trauma on a childs development, attachment, and behavior. Then youll get an effective multi-tier system of support (MTSS) for developing a trauma-sensitive learning environment, including both universal strategies (Tier 1) and more intensive interventions (Tier 2 and Tier 3) for students who need more support. Discover how to make five key shifts in the way you view and approach students so that youre better equipped to support them work together to prioritize resilience by actively putting relationships first in your school implement universal instructional strategies that foster safety, connection, regulation, and learning for all students use special supports, supplemental instruction, and coaching when universal strategies arent enough incorporate restorative discipline practices that focus on restitution, not retribution create a personalized self-care plan to reduce the effects of job-related stress With this engaging, practical guide to what works and why, your school team will gain insights and develop action plans that make a real difference in the lives of all kids, including our most vulnerable youth. Includes practical materials: Creative activities for teachers Powerful case stories Sample dialogues and scripts for educators and counselors Reflection and brainstorming worksheets *Templates and handouts for use with students

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