The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom: Building Resilience with Compassionate Teaching

by Patricia A. Jennings

Selected as a "Favorite Book for Educators in 2018" by Greater Good . From the author of Mindfulness for Teachers,  a guide to supporting trauma-exposed students. Fully half the students in U.S. schools have experienced trauma, violence, or chronic stress. In the face of this epidemic, it falls increasingly to teachers to provide the adult support these students need to function in school. But most educators have received little training to prepare them for this role.  In her new book, Tish Jennings―an internationally recognized leader in the field of social and emotional learning―shares research and experiential knowledge about the practices that support students' healing, build their resilience, and foster compassion in the classroom. In Part I, Jennings describes the effects of trauma on body and mind, and how to recognize them in students' behavior. In Part II, she introduces the trauma-sensitive practices she has implemented in her work with schools. And in Part III, she connects the dots between mindfulness, compassion, and resilience. Each chapter contains easy-to-use, practical activities to hone the skills needed to create a compassionate learning environment.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Teachers, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychology

224 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2018

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a primer on trauma for educators early in their career. Anyone who works in the public school system likely has attended a PD on mindfulness, resilience, trauma, or SEL. I wish this book had more skills to apply to my instruction, but much of the message of this book is “it takes a village”. I think the title should be “The Trauma Sensitive School” instead of “Classroom”. There are some tidbits that could be used for altering practice, but most of them are for elementary aged children.

[Danielle Nuhfer]

Another Relevant and Empowering Book by Patricia Jennings!

This book is another game changer for me. Her last book Mindfulness for Teachers paved the way for how teachers can utilize mindfulness to regulate their own responses to classroom experiences. This book gives yet another way teachers can become empowered to help their students through regulating their own emotions.

As a classroom teacher, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed and helpless but this book provides a simple road map to begin to find solutions that empower the teacher, rather than waiting for something in our education system to change.

I lead a yearlong book study of her last book with fellow teachers and will be sure to organize another one with this book.

Thank you for your service to the teaching profession! This book is a must read!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative read with balanced practices of compassion for our trauma exposed students and ourselves. There are parts of self-reflection throughout the book. Offers a lot of resources.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tish Jennings echoes the sentiment of her previous book in that educators can only foster resilience in students who experience trauma and chronic stress by nurturing a personal practice that includes mindfulness and compassion. She emphasizes that educators can model self-regulation and provide the caring attachment that youth need to counteract their traumas. This book offers a succinct overview of the literature on trauma and youth, also revealing some of the early studies on intervention-based models in schools. It also offers some suggestions and practices to create trauma-sensitive educational environments for children and teens.

[Barbara Mcpherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book has good suggestions for teachers, I would have liked more focus on instruction, the how-to build compassion in a classroom, and less focus on research that defines compassion. She also spends a lot of time listing other programs and resources.

It is worth reading, as I always am reminded about something I should be doing better; however, it left me feeling a bit overwhelmed. Many of her her suggestions and classroom stories do not seem realistic. Perhaps I am experiencing the burnout she also describes?

[Lin F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on incorporating mindfulness strategies to help build compassion in the classroom. I thought the vignettes along with the practices described were helpful. I feel that this book could make a big difference in helping teachers deal with trauma-exposed students as well as their own stress and trauma.

[Becky Barstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful vignettes and actionable practices for those hoping to learn more about trauma informed care at the school level. Very clear explanation of MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) and how trauma informed care fits into that broader structure within or evolving in school.

[Xan Lasko]

As a faculty, we read this book. I really enjoyed Jennings's perspective of teaching kids with compassion. Sometimes teachers are frazzled and we (I) didn't realize how the little things can be said without taking compassion into consideration. My eyes and heart are now open wider!

[Steven Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a long gap in the middle. It wasn’t an easy read for me. Probably because I tried to read at night before bed. When I picked it up again and read it more often, it did seem to go quicker.

[Mikaila✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class on Self Care and Resiliency in the classroom. I feel like there are a ton of great tips and tricks, but wish there was more in-depth explanations. It's a great book for anyone just learning about trauma-sensitive practices though!

[Wesley Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really useful guide for dealing with high-needs students. I appreciate the realistic scenarios, one of which described an exact situation that happened at my school the day I read it. The last few chapters talk a lot about self-care and mindfulness, both for teachers and students.

[Rochelle C]

A fairly quick read with many valuable strategies for educators.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid overview of trauma and learning with a strong mindfulness focus

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful examination of best practices for teaching children who have been exposed to trauma. The chapters that focus on teacher resilience offer needed guidance for teachers.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Important background for teachers and useful strategies/tools for the classroom.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable and thoughtful read that included many useful tips to introduce compassionate teaching practices into your instruction.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook on my commute to grad school classes. Very helpful insights and information.