The Trauma Sensitive Classroom
Do you want to know how to address the needs of students who come to class having experienced trauma?
Are you interested in learning specific techniques so you have what it takes to create a trauma-sensitive classroom? The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom, by Patricia Jennings, provides all the tools and strategies you need not only to recognize the signs of trauma and adversity in students but also to play that important role in helping students overcome their challenges and focus on their strengths. This will enable students to be more successful in the classroom and help teachers care for themselves first, so they have the resilience to maintain mindful compassion while teaching.
Required Reading: The Trauma Sensitive Classroom, Building Resilience with Compassionate Teaching, written by Patricia Jennings, Forward by Daniel J.Siegel
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1) Purchase and read The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom, Building Resilience with Compassionate Teaching, by Patricia A. Jennings.
2) Write complete answers to all of the questions on the Book Study Handout. The handout is provided to you after registration is completed.
3) Educators seeking clock hours or professional development hours: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
Students will complete the Trauma-Sensitive School Checklist, found on page 42 of the text. They will then write a 2-3 page paper, reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of their school setting based on this checklist, and incorporating a plan of improvement specifically focused on one of the five components listed; School-Wide Policies and Practices, Classroom Strategies and Techniques, Collaborations and Linkages with Mental Health Supports, Family Partnerships or Community Linkages. Students will typically choose the component that they have some control over. Most classroom teachers, for example, would choose either Classroom Strategies and Techniques or Family Partnerships. School counselors and mental health specialists would choose Collaborations and Linkages with Mental Health Supports. Administrators taking this course would choose School-Wide Policies and Practices. Educators who deal with community partnerships would choose Community Linkages. The paper should be double spaced and 10-12 pt. font.
Effective July 1, 2024:
For educators seeking college credit rather than clock hours, here is the modified requirement: In addition to Assignments 1 and 2 above...
3) Students will complete the Trauma-Sensitive School Checklist starting on page 41 of the text. They will then write a 5-6 page paper, reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of their school setting based on this checklist, incorporating a plan of improvement specifically focused on all five of the components listed; School-Wide Policies and Practices, Classroom Strategies and Techniques, Collaborations and Linkages with Mental Health Supports, Family Partnerships or Community Linkages. The paper should be double spaced and 10-12 pt. font.
All 3 assignments must be completed within 1 year. Upload completed handout and paper to website or email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org.
SPU NOTE: Please be sure to register prior to completing any coursework. Registering for a course after coursework has been started violates accreditation standards and puts the University at risk; therefore, SPU reserves the right to not award credit if students are found to be in violation of this policy. SPU coursework will be accepted a minimum of 2 weeks beyond registration date.
Grading Criteria for Trauma Sensitive Classroom
1) All (3) assignments must be completed within 1 year. Upload completed assignments to your teacherstudy.org Dashboard or Email all completed assignments and paperwork to lorie@teacherstudy.org .
2) The rubric for the Book Study Hand-Out is broken down into 3 goal areas.
The first goal area pertains to questions #1-9 on the handout. You will simply need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3”, “4” or “5” according to the rubric.
The second goal area pertains to questions #10-24. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3”, “4” or “5” according to the rubric.
The third goal area pertains to questions #25-55. You will need to answer these questions and earn a “1”, “2”, “3”, “4” or “5” according to the rubric.
3) The rubric for The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom paper explains how to earn a “1”, “2”, “3”, “4” or “5”.
The maximum number of combined points that can be earned is 20 (15 points for the answers to the questions on the handout and 5 points for the paper).
“A” grade = 18-20 points
“B” grade = 16-17 points
“C” grade = 14-15 points
“D” grade = 12-13 points
“F” grade = 11 points or less
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all three assignments are not completed within one year.
Pass/No Pass Grading System (for clock hours or continuing education credits)
Pass = 14-20 points
No Pass = Less than 14 points
A “NC” (no credit) grade will be given if all three assignments are not completed within one year.
Clock Hours and Continuing Education Unit Options for Washington State Educators:
Washington State Educators have the option of earning 30 Clock Hours for an additional $3 per clock hour fee ($90). Clock hours are offered through the following OSPI approved organizations:
ESD 112 Clock Hours: Once you complete the course, you will be directed to the ESD PdEnroller online system to easily claim your clock hours.
Gonzaga University: Once you complete the course, Gonzaga Center for Lifelong Learning will provide you with instructions on how to pay your $90 clock hour fee and quickly claim your clock hours.
Graduate Credit Options:
Seattle Pacific University: Earn 3 graduate level quarter credits. Additional $180 fee, payable to SPU. You must register with SPU first to earn graduate credit.
All Other PDUs, CEUs, CPEs and other known terms for Clock Hours:
30 Clock Hours for professional development are available for those outside of WA State. Other known terms include, but are not limited to, Professional Development Hours, Professional Development Points, CEU's, CPE's, PDU's or your school district's equivalent language for clock hours earned. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to all students once coursework is reviewed and graded.
Be sure to check with your state's agency regarding professional development and related requirements.
Online book studies that have not been accessed are refundable within 5 days of purchase date. No refund will be issued on any assignment that has been accessed, viewed, or partially completed. Online training courses may not be transferred to another student.
SPU refunds per SPU policy. Please visit their website for more information.