From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs: 10 Simple Strategies to Reduce Disruptions and Create Trauma-Responsive Classrooms

by Katie Fields, Jill M. Davis

What if “misbehavior” isn’t defiance but communication?

You’ve met the student who melts down over a small change. The one who won’t stop moving. The kid who argues with everything you say. You’ve tried rewards, consequences, charts, and clip systems and still find yourself Googling “how to survive teaching” at midnight.

Here’s a radical The problem isn’t the kid. It’s our approach. From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs moves you from trauma-informed awareness to trauma-responsive practice.

This is a practical, no-fluff guide that helps you understand what’s really going on beneath disruptive behavior. (Spoiler at least half of all students have experienced trauma.) Their “acting out”? It’s not about disrespect. It’s how they’re coping.

In 10 quick, doable Hacks, you’ll learn how to behavior in ways that build trust, not tensionCreate a calm classroom without losing controlDesign lessons that support, not retraumatizeHandle pushback from those who think trauma-informed = soft
This book isn’t one more thing to add to your plate. It’s a mindset shift that makes teaching easier … and more human.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Melanie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has real-life situations and research-based advice for building relationships with children who have experienced trauma. It includes creating a calming environment, viewing behavior as communication, considering bias within assignments, and the school-wide positive impact using these hacks can have.

The examples range from PreK to high school. There is also advice on how to respond to push back from administrators, colleagues, and parents. Additionally, there are discussion questions for extending conversations.

This will remain on my shelf within reach!

[Priscilla Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring book reminded me why I love teaching. Sometimes our most challenging students are the ones who need a caring adult the most. Katie Fields and Jill M. Davis share realistic classroom vignettes and practical strategies that busy educators can implement right away—whether they’re new to trauma-responsive teaching or already experienced. The authors remind us that behavior is communication and that meaningful learning happens when students feel safe and supported, all backed by research. I highly recommend this book to teachers and advocates alike.

[Errin · Rating 5 out of 5]

All teachers have children with some trauma in their classrooms, and this book will absolutely help you create a classroom that is safe for all children, whether they are dealing with trauma or not. Dr. Fields and Dr. Davis are highly knowledgeable in this topic and offer easy solutions that you can begin incorporating in your classroom tomorrow! I am so excited to use these strategies in my classroom with current and future students.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a professor in a teacher education program, I found "From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs" by Dr. Fields and Dr. Davis to be an invaluable resource. The insights and strategies presented in this book are so practical and relevant that I plan on incorporating them into my coursework to better prepare preservice teachers for the realities of the classroom.