Trauma Education

In this fresh look at trauma-informed practice, Alex Shevrin Venet urges educators to shift equity to the center as they consider policies and professional development.

Today, something is going to happen to an innocent child. Tomorrow, that child will walk into their school. What happens next will impact the rest of their life. What is this powerful event? Childhood trauma. Most students will experience some form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, family dysfunction, racism, homelessness, or poverty by their 18th birthday. If left untreated, their traumatic experience may have lasting implications on their physical and mental health and their success in school.

Freedom. We all want it, expect it, and demand it. On the outside, you may be free to travel where, when, and with whom you want, but inside, you feel trapped in an emotional jail of depression, anger, anxiety, or fear. You may feel chained to past wounds, recurring negative thoughts, or relationships that keep you stuck and inhibit that sense of freedom you crave. While in your head, you believe that Christ brings freedom and that a relationship with God is the answer, you struggle to align your emotions with this truth.