The impact of trauma on a student’s educational performance and attainment is profound, with potential influences on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses. This advanced-level course is designed to provide educators with an in-depth understanding of trauma informed education, underlining the vital role of ensuring the physical and emotional wellbeing of all members of the school community. Upon completion of this course, educators will have the skills necessary to cultivate a trauma-responsive learning environment that emphasizes courage, empathy, and self-regulation. Furthermore, they will gain knowledge on how to shape an inclusive and supportive educational setting that addresses the unique needs of each student.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Analyze the theoretical foundation of trauma-informed education by evaluating relevant research and literature.
• Create a comprehensive plan for implementing trauma-informed practices in the classroom, incorporating strategies that prioritize courage, empathy, and self-control. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies for supporting the physical and emotional well-being of school staff and assess their impact on student outcomes.
• Synthesize knowledge of trauma-informed education to design and implement culturally responsive interventions that address the unique needs of students who have experienced trauma.

In today’s dynamic educational environment, effective classroom management is essential for fostering a positive learning atmosphere. This professional development course equips K-12 educators with a robust framework and practical strategies for establishing a safe, consistent, positive, and supportive learning environment. Emphasizing the importance of relationships and family collaboration, this course offers dynamic strategies to engage students and address challenging behaviors. Educators will leave this course with a comprehensive classroom management plan that promotes a structured, inclusive, and engaging environment conducive to student learning and well-being.

Fostering a culture of kindness in educational settings has far-reaching benefits, as underscored by science. Kindness triggers the release of hormones that enhance happiness, boost energy, and alleviate pain, depression, and even high blood pressure. This course provides educators and students with techniques to integrate more kindness into their school environments, a process that is pivotal to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

Access to free resources and a carefully designed curriculum is provided, equipping participants with tools they need to cultivate kindness in their respective roles. Course activities range from examining concrete kindness curriculums, maintaining a kindness-focused journal, practicing acts of kindness and experiencing their direct benefits, to devising a plan for implementing kindness on a wider scale.

By cultivating kindness in schools, educators can enhance student wellbeing, promote positive behavior, and inspire more empathetic, caring learning communities.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Define the concept of kindness in both personal and professional contexts.
• Describe the benefits that kindness brings to individuals, students, and the entire school community.
• Evaluate effective, evidence-based resources and learning materials that create positive outcomes for educators and students.
• Design a unique kindness plan to ensure the integration of these ideas into personal and professional contexts.
• Deliver effective lessons on kindness to students.