
Proactive Ways to Reduce Burnout as an Educator: A Trauma-Informed Approach
The beginning of a new school year brings fresh faces and renewed energy to classrooms in the U.S. But for many educators, the return to school can also mark the onset of stress and overwhelm as they juggle ever-increasing responsibilities. Burnout among teachers has become a critical issue, with educators experiencing unprecedented levels of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. NOW is the ideal time to address this, before the demands of the school year reach their peak.
Myth-Busting: Dispelling Common Misconceptions about Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices
Despite growing awareness, several myths persist about what trauma-informed education is and isn't. Let’s debunk some of these misconceptions with insights from experts, providing educators with a clearer understanding of what it means to implement trauma-informed practices in schools.
Free Download: Building Community in the Classroom: A Guide to Connection Circles
Free Downloadable Guide for Educators: Connection Circles are a research-backed strategy for fostering resilience, and directly support Resilient Futures 3 C’s of Resilience. Through consistent engagement in Connection Circles, educators can deepen relationships, promote healthy communication, and create a classroom community that supports equity, emotional well-being, and academic success.
Prepare for a Trauma-Informed School Year: An Educator Guide
At Resilient Futures, we believe that creating a trauma-informed classroom is essential for fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment. Trauma-informed practices not only help support students who have experienced trauma but also create a more inclusive and understanding atmosphere for all students and Educators. Here’s our Educator Guide to proactively set yourself up for success.
Free Educator Guide: Creating and Facilitating Peer-to-Peer Support Groups in Secondary Schools
Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. Peer-to-peer support groups offer a structured and safe environment where students can connect with others facing similar experiences. These groups provide an essential outlet for sharing, understanding, and supporting one another, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Free Download: Trauma-Informed Scavenger Hunts for Educators
It's never too early to introduce the foundation of trauma-informed practices, and doing so can set a positive tone for the school year. At Resilient Futures, we've created a set of three versatile Scavenger Hunt games designed for early childhood and elementary school educators. These games are not only fun but also essential tools for introducing trauma-informed practices in the classroom.
Why Trauma-Informed Practices Matter in Higher Education
College students across America face a myriad of challenges that can trigger stress, anxiety, and traumatic experiences. Away from the familiar comforts of home, these young adults rely on their college community for support and guidance. Professors, advisors, and other school employees frequently assume the role of caregivers, becoming the critical support system for students in distress. In such an environment, it is imperative for higher education institutions to adopt trauma-informed practices.
Free Download: Dyadic Listening as a Trauma-Informed Practice
One powerful tool that aligns with trauma-informed practices is Dyadic Listening. This guide explores dyadic listening, why it is a valuable trauma-informed practice, and how it can be implemented in schools and beyond to foster healthier communication and stronger relationships.
The Role of Trauma-Informed Teachers in Modern Education
Discover how trauma-informed teachers create safe, nurturing environments for students affected by trauma. Learn the benefits of trauma-informed teaching and key strategies for fostering supportive, equitable learning spaces.
Finding Trauma-Informed Training for Professionals
Explore trauma-informed training for professionals to better support trauma-affected individuals. Learn about various training formats, their importance, and how to choose the best program for your needs.
Free Download: SEL & Emotional Literacy: Teaching Emotions and Body Sensations
One foundational aspect of emotional intelligence is the ability to name and identify feelings—both mental emotions and those that arise as body sensations. Understanding and normalizing emotions, and being able to articulate them, is essential for healthy development. This free downloadable will help beginners understand these concepts through tools, activities, and reflections.
Best Practices: What Is Trauma-Informed Education
Trauma-informed education creates safe, supportive classrooms by recognizing trauma's impact on learning. Learn how it equips educators with tools to help students overcome trauma and succeed academically.
Racial Trauma: What You Should Know
This infographic delves into the pervasive impact of racial trauma, illustrating how discriminatory experiences and systemic racism shape the lives of children, hinder their development, and perpetuate cycles of adversity well into their adult years. By understanding these far-reaching consequences, we can better advocate for policies and practices that promote healing and equity.
Racial Trauma and Systemic Racism in U.S. Schools: The Need for Race-Based Equity Services and Trauma-Informed Trainings
Racial trauma and systemic racism are pervasive issues in U.S. schools, affecting both students and educators. Racial trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced by individuals due to encounters with racism, discrimination, and microaggressions. Here we discuss the critical nature of Race-Based Equity Services and Racial Healing practices for BIPOC educators and youth-serving professionals.
What is Trauma-Informed Leadership, and What Are the Benefits?
Discover trauma-informed leadership and its benefits for employee well-being and success. Learn how to create supportive workplaces by addressing the impact of trauma. Implement effective practices now.
Building Trauma-Informed Teams in Schools
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the profound impact of trauma on students' academic performance, behavior, and overall well-being. Addressing trauma within school communities is not just a matter of empathy; it's an educational imperative. By building teams of trauma-informed experts within schools, we can create environments that support the holistic needs of students, teachers, and staff alike, ultimately fostering a culture of healing and growth.
Transforming Public Education with Trauma Informed Schools
Trauma-informed schools recognize and address the impact of trauma on students. By training staff to understand trauma and offering trauma-informed frameworks & strategies, these schools foster safe and supportive learning and working environments for students and educators alike. This article will cover the core principles, practical steps for implementation, and benefits of adopting trauma-informed practices in schools.
Prioritizing Teacher Well-being: Nurturing the Backbone of Education
In the modern world of Education, teachers bear the weight of shaping future generations. But behind the classroom doors, a silent crisis continues to build - the well-being of educators remains alarmingly neglected. Prioritizing teacher well-being and self-care is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for the sustainability of the education system.
Free Download: Resilient Futures Mindfulness Breaks for the Classroom and beyond
Introducing Mindfulness Practices into the classroom environment is not just about fostering a moment of peace amidst the chaos; it's about equipping students and educators alike with powerful tools for navigating the complexities of modern education and beyond. Download our free Guide of Mindfulness Breaks in your classroom or community setting today.
The Brain Science Behind Adverse Childhood Experiences
Childhood is a time of growth, learning, and exploration. However, for many children, this period may also be marked by adversity and trauma. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) encompass a range of stressful or traumatic events that can profoundly impact a child's development and well-being. Understanding the brain science behind childhood trauma is essential for recognizing its long-term effects and implementing trauma-informed practices in early childhood education settings.

Developing Trauma-Informed Teachers
An Educational Book Series from Resilient Futures
[July 2022] Co-edited by Resilient Futures founder Megan Brennan, this volume of the series Contemporary Perspectives on Developing Trauma-Informed Teachers provides reflections, examples, and implementation guidance for the innovative and important ways educators develop and implement trauma-informed practices across their programs, instituting broader curricular shifts to incorporate trauma-informed practices.
[January 2023] Co-edited by Resilient Futures founder Megan Brennan, this volume of the series was driven by a deep desire to ensure that teacher candidates are thoughtfully prepared to more fully address students’ needs and create classroom environments that are safe for students and teachers.
Developing Trauma-Informed Teachers: Intentional Partnerships to Create Classrooms That Foster Equity, Resiliency, and Asset-Based Approaches
[May 2025] Co-edited by Resilient Futures founder Megan Brennan, this volume of the series we delves into the heart of educational evolution: Intentional Partnerships to Create Classrooms that Foster Equity, Resiliency, and Asset-Based Approaches.
Childhood Trauma:
An event(s) that a child finds overwhelmingly distressing or emotionally painful, often resulting in lasting mental and physical effects.
Many think of trauma as a single life-changing event, but more commonly trauma manifests as a series of events or patterns of abusive or neglectful behaviors that compound over time.
Understanding Childhood Trauma
In the Press

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