Join Amanda Hampton and guest Karen Eads as they discuss creating trauma-informed classrooms. Karen, a veteran first-grade teacher with 35 years of experience at Norwood Elementary, shares her journey and strategies for fostering a safe, empathetic, and regulated learning environment. Learn about her use of PAX tools, creating emotional safety, and the importance of modeling self-regulation. Discover how addressing emotional and behavioral needs can significantly enhance academic performance and overall well-being in young students.

About the Guest:

Karen Eads is a seasoned educator with over 35 years of experience, currently teaching first grade at Norwood Elementary School. As a volleyball coach for Norwood City Schools and a devoted advocate for trauma-informed education, Karen brings a rich background of personal and professional experience to her role. Her journey in education, inspired by her own childhood challenges and positive influences from teachers and coaches, fuels her passion for impacting young lives positively.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Trauma-Informed Education: Recognizing and addressing the impacts of adverse childhood experiences on students' learning and behavior.
• Importance of Emotional and Physical Safety: Prioritizing safety and emotional well-being over academics to create a conducive learning environment.
• Implementing PAX Good Behavior Game: Tools and strategies for promoting positive behavior and self-regulation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the PAX system.
• Growth Mindset Approach: Continuous self-improvement as a teacher, being reflective, adaptable, and instilling the same principles in students.
• Teacher and Community Collaboration: The significance of engaging colleagues, parents, and school staff in supporting students' mental health and well-being.

Notable Quotes:

1. "My goals are to help my students feel safe and loved. I show them that they matter as I strive to not only listen to their words but also watch their actions." – Karen Eads
2. "We need to all remember that children's brains grow at a phenomenal rate, but their experiences help shape this growth, whether they're positive or negative." – Karen Eads
3. "A teacher needs to know that students thrive on predictability and routine." – Karen Eads
4. "My students need to know me as a person, as a mom, as a learner, just like they are, as a pet owner, but also as a person who makes mistakes." – Karen Eads
5. "You belong, you matter, and you are loved. And if you work hard to have children truly believe those things, then really you can tackle anything." – Karen Eads

Resources:

• PAX Good Behavior Game: Official PAX website
• Books Mentioned: "You Matter" (used during the first weeks of school)

To delve deeper into the transformative power of trauma-informed education and learn actionable strategies for your classroom, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful discussions on School Wellness. Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.