What Does a Trauma-Sensitive Middle/High School Look Like?

This short video highlights one middle/high school’s journey to create a trauma-sensitive, safe and supportive school.

Watch the video here.

We are thrilled to share with you TLPI’s new video, Becoming a Trauma-Sensitive School. The video highlights Salem Academy Charter School and its journey to create a trauma-sensitive, safe and supportive school. The 12-minute overview is for educators and others who want to learn more about the process and how to engage in this critical work.

Highlighted in the video are the ways in which this school embraces parent engagement and student voice to help guide their efforts to create a vibrant learning community where all staff work together to create a school that embodies the values of safety, trusting relationships, connection, equity, belonging, and adaptability.

Much has changed since this video was filmed inside the school building last February but we have seen that trauma-sensitive schools are uniquely positioned to adapt to the current crises because these values — safety, trusting relationships, connection, equity, belonging, and adaptability — prioritize making connections with students and their families whether working remotely or in the building.

Schools continue to face much uncertainty and are sure to continue to grapple with the challenges of shifting between fully in-person, entirely virtual, or a hybrid model of teaching and learning throughout the year.

The need for trauma-sensitive, safe and supportive schools is more important than ever.


 

Becoming a Trauma-Sensitive School: A Video Discussion Guide

 

This Video Discussion Guide: Becoming a Trauma-Sensitive School will help you generate and lead thought-provoking conversations about the creation of trauma-sensitive schools at the middle/high school level. You will find the definition and core attributes of a trauma sensitive school, as well as several questions that are sure to spark an energizing and engaging discussion around trauma, its impact on learning, and the importance of creating trauma-sensitive schools.

Download the Video Discussion Guide