Calm Kits in the Community Project

Calm Kits

Attendees at the 5th Annual Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conference have the opportunity to give to other educators and classrooms in the Houston area AND create a calm kit for themselves at our “Calm Kits in the Community” Project on Sunday, February 20, 2022. The project is free to all attending the in-person conference. Participants will […]

#TSS2022ATN Call for Workshops Open

Calling all Trauma-Informed Education Experts!  The 5th Annual Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conference has opened our Call for Workshop Proposals.    The Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools Conference – #TSS2022ATN – is the largest gathering of trauma-informed, resilience-building educators in the US. This year’s conference will be a hybrid – with both an in-person and virtual component, to reach […]

The Re-Set Process

It began at TSS In February 2021, I had the honor of moderating Dyane Carrere’s session, “A New Way to Respond to Challenging Behavior: The Re-Set Process” at ATN’s virtual Trauma-Sensitive Schools (TSS) conference. Carrere’s approach to and heart for children from hard places impressed me. So much so, in fact, that I ordered her […]

Just Say No to Teacher Burnout

drawing of teacher with mask in front of blackboard with coronavirus scattered around

In times of change, chaos, and crisis, prevent overwhelm and teacher burnout by being realistic about what you can and cannot do. Here’s how.

Supporting Students and Staff After COVID-19

Supporting Students and Staff After COVID-19 (book title in purple font)

A new book for trauma-sensitive educators Returning to school this year has been stressful for school leaders, educators, families, and students, whether they’re engaged in face-to-face, distance, or hybrid learning. My new e-book Supporting Students and Staff After COVID-19 is a resource designed especially for administrators, teachers, instructional coaches, and support staff. It provides *right now* […]

Let’s Thank Our Teachers

Thank you with yellow pencil above

Teaching then… Long before COVID-19, social distancing, or mask mandates, we had teachers. Every August, after a few precious weeks of summer and many projects left unfinished, they showed up in empty classrooms to prepare for the new year. They rearranged furniture, made name plates, and decked out bulletin boards for a brand-new set of […]

Trauma-Sensitive Learning Goes Online

by Dr. Ryan T. Woods for Respectful Ways When learning went online When the threat of COVID-19 arrived, schools responded quickly. Administrators hustled, principals made announcements, and teachers developed lesson plans. In a matter of days, students were learning from home. As any instructor knows, academic content represents just one facet of education. Developing social […]

Wisdom from a Virtual Schooling Mom

Blog Manager’s Note: I don’t know about you, but I know that I have lost count of how many days we’ve been under orders to “shelter in place.” Although absolutely necessary, this isn’t easy, especially as more and more states make the decision to close school doors for the rest of this academic year. Thankfully, […]

Respectful Ways Trauma-Informed SEL Program Vetted by ATN

Respectful Ways ATN partnership

The Attachment & Trauma Network has partnered with Respectful Ways Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Program. Trained ATN staff members updated and approved all 350 written lesson plans and digital materials to be trauma-informed! Respectful Ways offers educator-led modules, and separate student digital modules for children to use at home from any device, including cell phones. Research […]

Akin, Trauma, and Mindfulness in School

Mindfulness in School

A Mindfulness room gone wrong About a month ago, I read Emma Donoghue’s novel, Akin, the story of an unlikely duo, both touched by childhood trauma: an 11-year-old boy named Michael and his great-uncle, Noah. Michael’s father–Noah’s nephew–died of an overdose, while his mother is imprisoned for a drug-related offense. Overnight, Noah finds himself the […]