The challenges instructors and students face pursuing their academic and professional goals are well known among educators. While the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the prevalence of economic and racial disparities, mental health issues, isolation, and competing priorities, these concerns have always existed within higher education. Trauma symptoms are inevitable in our classroom when students experience personal and professional crises, regardless of the continuing effects of the pandemic. Research stemming from the science of emotions highlights the effects of trauma (past or on-going) on our cognitive capacities, and how instructors can create caring environments through the implementation of activities identifying trauma symptoms, and classroom practices that enhance connection, belonging, transparency, flexibility, and empowerment among our students.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
• Define what a trauma-aware approach to teaching involves
• Describe how trauma impacts how we learn and teach
• Identify sustainable trauma-aware teaching strategies
Dr. Toya Jones, BASW Program Director at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work will lead the session. A licensed clinical social worker and current trauma, individual, group, and family therapist, she comes with a wealth of experience at the post-secondary and secondary levels with students diverse in age, ability, and cultural background. She has been addressing the needs of children and families impacted by violence for the past sixteen years.
Please register to attend. SEATING IS LIMITED.
Dial-In Information
Please register to attend. You will receive an email with the Zoom meeting link.
Please contact workshops@teaching.pitt.edu for any questions.