Responding to Student Trauma: A Toolkit for Schools in Times of Crisis (Free Spirit Professional™)

Immediately effective trauma-response framework for educators to help students during and after crises.

Responding to Student Trauma is an urgent addition to current trauma response practices. Written by a middle school counselor, this easy-to-follow book provides a framework for understanding and responding to the needs of students experiencing trauma. With many schools lacking adequate staff for supporting student mental health, this guide gives educators the information and strategies they need to address the specific needs of their students.

Packed with strategies to use immediately, Responding to Student Trauma categorizes trauma according to the source: self/home, school, community, and country/world. It directly addresses how to respond to crises currently facing students and educators and includes tips for planning ahead to be ready for the next crisis.

The versatile structure allows Responding to Student Trauma to be used as a standalone resource, as a supplement to existing programs, or as a trauma response framework to create a schoolwide program. Having clear and comprehensive programs for times of crisis and students who are struggling with traumatic experiences allows staff to support student mental health and helps reduce staff anxiety and uncertainty about unexpected incidents. 

Digital content includes a reproducible school-planning worksheet, teacher quick-guide worksheet, and action items checklist to ensure the entire staff is trained and feels prepared to respond quickly to situations. A free downloadable PLC/Book Study Guide available at freespirit.com/PLC.

Stephanie Filio, M.Ed. is a middle school counselor in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Virginia and her M.Ed. in counseling from Old Dominion University. In a discussion with one of her UVA professors about her desire to stay in school forever, her mentor wisely responded, “If you want to be a lifelong learner, go into education,” and so she found her place. Prior to school counseling, Stephanie worked in private education, specializing in standardized tests, test preparation, and future planning. She writes about her career and hobbies at her blog, Weekend Therapy, and can be found on Twitter @steffschoolcoun. Stephanie also enjoys spending time with her books, crafts, and family.