Module Overview

There has been a growing focus on the idea of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive teaching in all levels of education. Many may refer to a mixture of these approaches as "trauma-sensitive" teaching. In this module, we will explore the differences between these approaches, and you will gain understanding in several key areas:

• What is trauma?
• The impacts of trauma on the brain and learning
• Sign and behaviors to look for
• The trauma-informed approach
• The trauma-responsive approach
• Limitations & warnings
• Secondary trauma in educators

The intention of this module is to empower instructors of English Language Learners with tools for trauma-informed and trauma-responsive teaching as well as give tools for dealing with secondary trauma as educators. However, as you will soon discover, this information applies to all students at Spokane Community College and not only those from refugee and immigrant backgrounds.