Tackling Trauma in the Classroom: Strategies for Overcoming Emotional Overload

This is a summary of an article originally published in The Educator by Brett Henebery titled, 'Overcoming Emotional Overload: The Program Tackling Trauma in the Classroom'. You can read the full article here

In the article Justin Roberts, National Program Director of ReLATE (Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments) discusses what schools can do to prevent emotional overload and how trauma-informed teaching can be an important prevention strategy.

The state of educators' mental health has been in the spotlight a lot recently. In 2023 Monash University released a study exploring the intensifying emotional demands of the teaching profession. One of the key findings was that teachers with fewer years of teaching experience and less exposure to trauma-informed professional development were more likely to experience secondary traumatic stress compared to more experienced and trauma-informed teachers.

Implement Trauma-Informed Practices

Adopt a whole-school trauma-informed approach that acknowledges the prevalence of trauma and its impact on students and on staff. This includes creating a safe (culturally, physically, socially, psychologically and morally) and supportive environment where both staff and students feel understood and valued. A whole-school approach is important for embedding this and implementing effectively across all facets of the school.

Professional Development for School Staff

Provide ongoing professional development for teachers and all school staff to recognise and identify signs of stress and emotional overload. It is critical for school staff to understand its effects on learning and behaviour and be able to spot the signs. Training can include techniques for de-escalation, emotional regulation, and building strong, trusting relationships with peers and students.

Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Integrate SEL into staff training and the curriculum to help students enhance skills like empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Programs like the ReLATE model from The MacKillop Institute focus on creating supportive whole school and classroom environments that promote overall wellbeing for both staff and students, acknowledging when our staff are supported, safe and well they are better equipped to model this with students.

Use Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Introduce mindfulness and relaxation exercises to help staff and students self-manage stress and anxiety. These practices can improve focus, emotional control, and overall mental health. This should be in collaboration with school processes, structures and practices to support workload, stress and anxiety from an institutional level to ensure responsibility is not solely on the individual.

Create Safe Spaces

Designate areas in the school where staff and students can go to calm down and regain their composure. These safe spaces can be equipped with calming tools and resources to help staff and students manage their emotions. This is important for both staff and students.

Foster Strong Relationships

Build strong, supportive relationships between students and staff. This relationship, which the educator takes responsibility for, should allow the student to both seek support and give them the confidence to take risks in their learning. Compassionate work is energising and positive relationships with students not only makes the work easier, but also connects us with our purpose – to nurture and develop the next generation. Encourage mentorship programs and peer support networks to create a sense of community and belonging.

Engage Families and Caregivers

Work closely with families and caregivers to provide a consistent support system for students. Regular and open communication and collaboration can help reinforce positive behaviours and coping strategies at home. Consider how we can support those in the home to reinforce positive support mechanisms.

Collaborate with Mental Health Professionals

Partner with mental health professionals to provide additional support and resources for staff and students. School counsellors, psychologists, allied health professionals, wellbeing coordinators and social workers can offer specialised interventions, expertise and support services. These professionals can offer different perspectives that lead to collaborative discussions and better informed decision making. Harness the collective skills and experiences.

Monitor and Evaluate Programs

Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of trauma-informed programs and interventions. Collect quantitative and qualitative feedback from students, staff, and families to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the strategies are meeting the needs of the school community.

By implementing these strategies, schools can create a nurturing environment that addresses the emotional needs of students, helping them to overcome trauma and thrive academically and personally.

Learn More

To learn more about Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments (ReLATE) a research and trauma-informed education model available to all schools.

Join Free ReLATE Information Session

To sign up for one of our free online information sessions which explains more about ReLATE.