Trauma-informed Approaches

This course offers a deep dive into Trauma-Informed Approaches by creating healing-centered environments through practices that that settle the nervous system.

The course is offered over a six-week period, in four modules using a blended format. Each module starts with a self-paced asynchronous format that includes assigned readings, videos, discussion boards, and quizzes.  Each module ends with a required in-person synchronous 90-minute Zoom session. Participants are expected to complete required asynchronous assignments and actively participate in the four interactive Zoom sessions to receive a Touro University Badge in Trauma-informed Approaches.

Participants will be introduced to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study and gain insight into effective ways to teach and relate to students whose brain development has been impacted by high trauma scores. A recent Journal of the American Medical Association - Pediatrics national study found that ACEs also correlate with exposure to institutional racism and other factors of discrimination. Marginalization based on race, ethnicity, gender, language, varying abilities, orientation, religion, or social-economic status can be experienced as trauma and can contribute to mental health issues.

This course will equip participants with the awareness and insight needed to understand how the human brain and nervous system are impacted by trauma, and to develop effective ways of supporting resiliency for students and adults who work with children and youth.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1.    Learn and engage in mindfulness and breath practices that balances and resets the nervous system.

2.    Identify what trauma is and the implications of how trauma impacts teaching and learning.

3.    Recognize the challenges of culture and identity threat as a trauma.

4.    Examine the impact of secondary trauma on teaching practices, relational style, and discipline approaches in the classroom.

Trauma-informed Approaches is one of three stand-alone courses in the Neurodiversity & Engagement micro-credentialed series.   Each course totals 15 hours, yielding a badge.  The three courses are Psychological Safety and Learning; Trauma-informed Approaches; and Neurodiversity in the Classroom.