Our students are experiencing trauma. We teachers need training to help them cope. [chicago.suntimes.com]

Lara Kain 3/23/2210:32 AM

By Gina Caneva, Photo: Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times, Chicago Sun-Times, March 13, 2022

A few weeks ago, a colleague of mine stepped into our suburban high school’s library, sat down and took a deep breath before slumping her shoulders and opening up her laptop. I could tell that something was bothering her. I know the look of helplessness mixed with defeat all too well.

Eighteen years ago, when I was a teacher at Corliss High School on Chicago’s South Side, I had that same look as I stood in the hallway after interacting with one of my students. I had been a teacher for five months, and that student had lost her mother and siblings to violence over Christmas break.

When she returned to school, I didn’t know what to say. I stepped outside of the classroom to talk to her, nervous about saying the right thing. I was choked up thinking about her tragedy.

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Shenandoah ChefaloMember

What a true statement. I've been fortunate that during and post COVID several of my trauma implementation clients have been public K-12 schools. It seems, at least to me, that many in the educational field are seeing the connection between SEL learning, trauma, and overall wellness as a point of actually helping students attain better and more sustainable learning objectives.

Additionally, many are understanding how teacher burnout is related as well.

3/23/221:06 PM

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