About This Webinar
Join AFT’s Share My Lesson for this free, for-credit webinar to support and nurture your students, part of our 2024 Wellness Series.
Supporting students who have experienced trauma is a critical aspect of education, and educators play a pivotal role in helping them heal and thrive. One fundamental approach is to facilitate positive experiences as a supportive adult. Traumatic events and challenging environments can have profound and lasting effects on young people, affecting their brain development, physical health, and behaviors. In this free, for-credit webinar, participants will delve into the concept of being a caring and nurturing presence in a student's life, which can serve as a powerful shield against the long-term harms of toxic stress.
The session will introduce five "Healing Gestures" that educators can employ to create a safe and healing environment for their students. These gestures encompass actions such as active listening, providing emotional support, and creating a sense of belonging, all of which are essential for students on their path to recovery and resilience. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of taking "loving political action" with students, using the union as a model for collective support and advocacy. By collectively addressing systemic issues that contribute to trauma, educators can make a meaningful impact on the well-being of their students and create a nurturing and empowering educational environment.
Note: Each webinar in this Wellness Series is a stand-alone professional development webinar; you can watch one or all and in any particular order that suits your needs. Register now.