By Linh Le
Across many school communities, educators are supporting students through sudden and often difficult disruptions. Students may be coping with the unexpected absence of teachers or classmates and changes in family circumstances. These experiences can affect their sense of safety, focus, well-being, and connection at school.
The aftermath of these events can show up in classrooms in many ways, including changes in behavior, participation, attendance, performance, and emotional regulation. While educators cannot control all the circumstances students and staff are facing outside the classroom, research-informed practices can help adults respond in ways that support students’ and colleagues’ needs and maintain consistent, emotionally safe learning environments.
Below, we highlight Student Behavior resources that offer practical, research-informed guidance for educators and caregivers navigating these moments:
- What to Say When Tragedy Strikes / Consejos para Abordar Problemas Sociales Actuales: Provides guidance for educators and caregivers on how to talk with children after difficult or unexpected events. This resource offers suggested language, age-appropriate considerations, and practical strategies for starting and navigating conversations when children see or hear about frightening events in the news. It also includes tips for responding to students’ questions and supporting emotional expression in school and home settings. Available in Spanish.
- Understanding Trauma and Supporting Staff and Students to Thrive: Explains how trauma can affect students and staff in educational settings and how these experiences may show up in behavior, learning, and engagement. This post outlines strategies for creating supportive environments, building consistency, and identifying practices that can help students and adults remain engaged during periods of stress or disruption.
- When Helping Students Hurts: Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS): Describes secondary traumatic stress and how it can affect educators and other school staff who regularly support students through challenging situations. This blog also discusses common signs of STS and offers strategies educators can use to care for their own wellbeing while continuing to support students effectively.
These resources are intended to offer tools that educators and caregivers can adapt to their own school contexts and needs. By focusing on clear communication, consistent practices, and supportive relationships, schools can continue to provide stable learning environments for students and staff.
Find more resources and learn about SRI’s Student Behavior and Well-Being Program by visiting our website.
Topics: Educator professional development and support Trauma