Why All Schools Should Be Trauma-Informed | Dr. Mary Crnobori | TEDxVanderbiltUniversity

An alarming number of children today bring many life stressors into the classroom as they face toxicity and adversity outside of school. This talk will explore the staggering prevalence of childhood trauma, and how it can affect the developing brain and body, lifelong health and wellness, and school success. While adversity occurs universally for individuals of all backgrounds, children from marginalized groups may be particularly vulnerable. Access to healing and support is not universal or equitable. What we have learned about childhood trauma in recent years can inform us about the essential missing ingredients in too many American schools today. The very same things needed for students dealing with adversity are in the best interest of all children. Relationship-rich school environments that focus on well-being and safety, stability, compassion, joy, and resilience optimize healthy executive functioning and learning, unlock resilience and flourishing, and empower all children to experience success. Dr. Mary Crnobori is the Coordinator of Trauma-Informed Schools for a large urban public school district in the Southeast. She is dedicated to social justice and promoting more compassionate and supportive school environments that promote healthy development, executive functioning and learning, and well-being for all children. She equips educators with critical knowledge about how trauma and un-buffered stress can affect neurobiological development, lifelong health and wellness, and school success; and helps school professionals implement practical, trauma-informed strategies that empower and foster resilience and school success for all students. Dr. Crnobori holds a PhD in Special Education from Vanderbilt University, a M.Ed. in Special Education, a B.A. in Psychology, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is the co-author of peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and a book, and speaks extensively about adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed school practices. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@dragonflyparadigm]

Connection is a key component to building resilience. As someone born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, school at times was where I experienced the greatest trauma from bullying and rejection. However, school was also where I found comradery, belonging, and support. I hope that as we emerge from this pandemic, educators and those in charge can see just how valuable and important trauma informed education and care is to the well being of children, and society as a whole.

[@heatherstewart1753]

the pandemic was planned to further. destroy the family. Google 100 year plan

[@natecfields]

Mary’s message is needed now more than ever. Thank you Mary for your commitment to children!

[@dragonflyparadigm]

I agree Nathan. Have you by chance read "What Happened To You?" by Dr Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey? That is a phenomenal read that addresses the need for trauma informed care.

[@thomasf.webber4933]

Would you be willing to share more about your vision on how to spread this? This is a really important idea

[@mkt7297]

Good job Mary

[@thoughtfulschoolsprogramuw8096]

Are the results on the study you refered to, of the impact of trama infomed practice published yet? I would love to have a read. I am currently working to assist schools in Western Australia to become Trauma Informed. Absolutely loved your talk and will be sharing the link with all that are keen.

[@Tabby-nw3bu]

You wanna know the irony school is the trauma

[@marycrnobori4300]

I know that can be true Tabby....that's the whole point of this work.

[@BringYerOwnBomb]

@@marycrnobori4300 Thank you for this lecture Dr. Crnobori. You said a lot of things that needed to be said.

[@dragonflyparadigm]

I can relate Tabby. As a person with a cleft lip and palate, school at times was very hard for me. I have hope that Mary and others like her will be a force of chance for the overall educational system.

[@jasminrodriguez4707]

True

[@Ayatron34]

School is trauma.

[@rodex122]

True

[@marycrnobori4300]

I know that can be true....that's the whole point of this work - to change that.

[@marsthatdamnrebel]

I'm sad that this was your truth. For others, school was the safe haven that kept us alive and sane.

[@heatherstewart1753]

for teachers

[@mrswags73]

Teachers should not be tasked with these Social Emotional Learning practices which is practicing mental health techniques without a license, in an uncontrolled non therapeutic environment. Fine, be trauma informed and help those students in need of this type of thing in the least invasive, non-intrusive way possible. Then refer them to professionals to help them. To treat ALL students from a trauma informed perspective is not the best practice. This would be broadcasting and screening, which could cause more damage than good. You see this all the time in invasive school surveys that most parents don’t even know about. Asking very personal questions and requiring students to “open up “about trauma in their lives in the middle of class… Gee what could possibly go wrong?🙄

[@heatherstewart1753]

No one said in the middle of class and you have not. done enough research to know of what you speak.