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Course Overview & MSEA Mission

Access this section to view the course description, objectives, credit count, and schedule. 

This section also includes an introductory video of MSEA's mission in supporting educators to become Trauma-Informed Educational Ambassadors. Click on the blue directional arrow at the bottom of the page.

1. Course Overview

Credit Count: 

2.5 Graduate Credits (25 hours)

Trinity University: Cost $313 to paid directly to Trinity if seeking credit count

Course Description:

This professional development course is designed to promote advocacy among educators in building a safe, trauma-aware school. Participants will review the prevalence and complexities of childhood trauma, its effect on the developing brain and the subsequent impact on student behavior and learning. The focus will be on how educators can take a leadership role in promoting change among colleagues, parents and the community in implementing strategies to begin effectively building a safe, trauma-sensitive learning environment.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

Participants will 

  • explore the definition of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and their impact on brain development, student attendance, behavior, learning and teacher responses.
  • analyze ways adults can become a positive influencer and inspire colleagues, administrators and parents to make the shifts in policy and practice to impact the lives of students experiencing trauma.
  • identify and then implement practices that create a trauma-informed educational environment to improve their classroom and school environment.
  • engage in a book study-type discussion and reflective log regarding leadership roles in implementing trauma-informed practices [policies] in their work setting.
  • cite leadership roles in implementing trauma-informed practices [policies] in their work setting and will engage in a book study-type discussion and reflective log on fostering a trauma-sensitive school environment.
  • identify systemic practices in their school that can adversely impact students experiencing trauma and propose changes in practice and/or edits in policies to make them more trauma-sensitive.
  • create a presentation on trauma-sensitive educational environments and strategies suitable [appropriate] for a meeting targeting an adult audience (staff meeting, PTA, etc.)

Schedule: 

All sessions are virtual/synchronous or in-person and four hours in length. 

Fall 2022: Virtual/synchronous

  • 11/14/22, 12/5/22 and 12/9/22

Click the right arrow to view Introductory Video

More Details: 

MSEA’s new Trauma hybrid series is largely one where you can learn asynchronously and at your own pace. You can log in to our learning management system and complete the bulk of your learning when it is most convenient for you and earn 2.5 graduate credits in the process. There will be three synchronous (virtual) meetings with MSEA staff to introduce and check-in on your learning and completion of all course requirements.