Bristol Township School District Behavior Specialist: Creating a Trauma-Informed Learning Environment for Students

The Bristol Township School District recently received a $169,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide trauma-informed training for its teachers. This comprehensive program aims to equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to create an optimal learning environment for students who may be dealing with various environmental factors that can impact their academic performance.

The primary goal of the training is to help teachers recognize signs of trauma in their students and take proactive steps to address these issues before they escalate into more significant problems. According to Kristen Andre, a special education autistic support teacher at Franklin D. Middle School, many students in the district have experienced trauma that may not be immediately apparent.

To better understand trauma and how to address it, teachers underwent training led by professional development specialist Lauren Bryant from Cindy Kruse Consulting. During the session, she emphasized the importance of shifting from a reactive approach ('What's wrong with you?') to a more proactive and empathetic one ('What happened to you? How can we help?').

The training also included breakout sessions where teachers shared their own suggestions for creating a trauma-informed learning environment. These included providing a safe space, modifying academic workload, focusing on the child rather than the behavior, being flexible while still maintaining expectations, smiling, being empathetic and listening to students' stories, and making connections with their families.

It's essential to recognize that teaching is more than just educating a child – it also involves supporting them emotionally and providing extra care when needed. Children who have experienced trauma require a tailored approach to learning, one that takes into account their unique experiences and needs.

The Bristol Township School District's commitment to providing trauma-informed training for its teachers demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the complex issue of student trauma. By equipping educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and address trauma, the district can create a more supportive and effective learning environment for all students.

Bristol township school district behavior specialist