It is more important than ever that we embrace practices known to insulate young people from the impact of traumatic events. These practices support students who are experiencing adversity, allowing them to remain/become ready to learn, connect, and thrive. Participants will examine the trauma responsiveness of current practices and pedagogy, then use scenarios to apply trauma responsive practices and interventions. This training focuses on strategies and interventions that are trauma responsive, trauma protective, and also academically sound pedagogical practices. The course will provide and use the text, Trauma Responsive Educational Practices: Helping Students Cope and Learn.

To better support students impacted by trauma, educators must first understand the various types of traumas (beyond ACES) and how trauma affects the brain and behavior in both students and adults. This equity-infused training is embedded with trauma-informed practices that support resilience and address its insulating factors of relationship, regulation, and responsibility. The topic of trauma is approached with care and consideration for people with a wide range of lived experience.

Minnesota’s 2020 ELA standards elevate student self-selection and choice, diverse texts and perspectives, and authentic literacy experiences that honor student identity and voice. In this hands-on session, grades 5–12 ELA teachers will learn how to build purposeful text sets and literature circles that support a genuine exchange of ideas. Learn engaging routines and management practices that make small-groups engaging and sustainable as an alternative to the whole-class novel.

In this evidence-based course, learn to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among young people. You’ll build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial and continuing support to young people experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, including suicide. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

Participants gain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid.