Trauma-Aware Education: Teaching Students Who Have Suffered Complex Trauma

You will be able to complete the Microcredential and reflect on the importance and create an action plan to support trauma-informed education in schools and workplaces.

Children and adolescents who have experienced very difficult or traumatic childhood circumstances might display challenging behaviors. They may need support to be able to regulate their emotions and manage their relationships. This plan will help you to provide support for a child or adolescent who has been through trauma. It will also show how to improve your professional and personal wellbeing while working with young people affected by trauma.

Many children and youth have been through trauma. This is reflected in most schools and early childhood education programs. According to international studies, 62–68% will have experienced at least one traumatic event before the age of 17. (Copeland and al. 2007; McLaughlin et al. 2013).

Trauma does not just affect one event. It can also be triggered by multiple events. Repetitive harm to relationships that results from abuses such as sexual, emotional, or physical abuse can lead to serious consequences for the education and life of children.

You can make a significant impact on the education and lives of young people by being a trauma-aware educator.

Complex trauma can affect the social, emotional, and physical development of children. Teachers and school leaders must use trauma-informed policies and practices to minimize harm.

This microcredential will give you an in-depth overview of complex trauma and its impact on young people's development. Understanding the neuroscience behind complex trauma will help you understand why students exhibit certain behaviours. You will learn how to use trauma-aware policies and strategies that minimize the risk for students and school staff.