By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.

In today’s society, there are numerous factors that can cause trauma. Some students
were traumatized by the Covid pandemic. They may have lost a close relative or started
to go astray without the eyes of caring adults, such as teachers, coaches, and
community leaders watching out for them. Add to that, there is a gun violence epidemic
throughout the nation and students are targeted by unscrupulous characters online, it’s
no wonder that many students do not feel physically or emotionally safe. Thus, trauma-
informed teaching is a meaningful way for teachers to reach and support these
students.

Trauma-informed teachers are aware that students come from different backgrounds
and some of them have gone through traumatic life events. Trauma can impact how a
student learns or interacts with others. For special education students, trauma can have
an even greater impact. Trauma-informed teaching enables teachers to support
students who have experienced tough situations, which helps make the classroom a
safe and supportive place to learn.

What is Trauma-Informed Teaching

Trauma-informed teaching means the teacher understands that some students may
have gone through painful experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or loss of a loved one.
These traumatic events can affect their brains and behavior, making it harder for them
to focus, follow rules, or trust adults. Thus, trauma-informed teachers adjust their
teaching style to meet the needs of the student. Trauma-informed teachers come from
the perspective of what the student has been through and how they can help the
student verses the perspective of what is wrong with the student. Thus, the teacher
comes across as caring instead of frustrated or angry.

Why Is It Important in Special Education?

Students in special education often face challenges related to learning, communication,
or emotional regulation. Trauma can make these challenges even harder to manage.
For example, a student with autism may have difficulty expressing their feelings, and
trauma might cause them to act out because they do not know how to express their
feelings.

By using trauma-informed teaching, special education teachers can help these students
process their trauma, feel safe and feel seen. When students feel safe, they are more
likely to participate, learn, and adhere to behavioral standards.

Key Strategies for Trauma-Informed Teaching.

Some ways that teachers can use trauma-informed practices in special education are to
make the classroom a safe space where students can be themselves and teachers can
set clear rules, speak in calm voices, and show empathy towards the students. Another
trauma-informed practice is to build caring relationships with the students by listening
and being kind. This can help students who have experienced trauma to trust the
teacher more. Additionally, teachers should be flexible with students, which helps them
to meet the student where they are. A teacher who is not familiar with trauma-informed
teaching may think a student is acting out when the student is actually reacting to a
stressful situation outside of school that makes it hard to concentrate on school.
Allowing students alternative ways to complete assignments is one way to be flexible.

Another way teachers can use trauma-informed practices in special education is to
teach students how to regulate their emotions. This may include using calming
techniques such as deep breathing, visual aids to help students understand, and role
playing to get the student accustomed to using these techniques. In addition, teachers
should focus on the student’s strengths. Many students who are both in special
education and experience trauma are used to adults speaking to them harshly and
pointing out what they are doing wrong. Pointing out what they are doing right can really
help a student’s confidence and self-esteem to soar.

Trauma-informed teaching can change a student’s life, but it is not always easy. It takes
patience and understanding. For students in special education, feeling supported and
understood can make all the difference in their desire to learn. By creating safe spaces,
building caring relationships, being flexible with students, teaching students how to
regulate emotions, and focusing on students’ strengths, teachers can help students
reach their full potential, in spite of the trauma they have experienced.