How can teachers recognize and respond to trauma in the classroom — without becoming overwhelmed themselves?

In this episode of Built by Educators, host Mike Williams speaks with Dr. Timothy Shampoe about trauma-informed teaching and the critical intersection of education, child welfare, and community support. Dr. Shampoe shares research-backed insights on reframing student behavior, creating safe and supportive classroom environments, and understanding the experiences of students in foster care.

This conversation goes beyond theory. Dr. Shampoe offers practical, actionable advice for K-12 educators navigating complex student needs — including why the way we interpret behavior matters more than the behavior itself.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What trauma-informed teaching looks like in practice, not just in PD sessions

• Reframing challenging student behavior through a trauma-aware lens

• Creating classroom environments that feel safe, stable, and predictable

• Supporting students in foster care — what teachers need to know

• Teacher wellness and self-care when the work gets heavy

• Building a community of learners in classrooms with diverse needs

Built by Educators is a CollabED podcast. Learn more at bbepodcast.org