The Healer: A Model for Culturally Sustaining Trauma-Informed Practices

This webinar delves into the impact of trauma on students, specifically Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) students in urban educational settings. The discussion emphasizes the detrimental effects of stress, exclusionary discipline, and disproportionate placement in special education programs that often afflict CLD youth. Building on the research of Blitz et al. (2020), the presentation offers practical guidance on integrating culturally sustaining, trauma-informed practices within the framework of Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS). Each principle is explored within a trauma-informed context, accompanied by insights into proactive and restorative strategies for teachers and administrators. The overarching goal is to empower educators to purposefully nurture students' identities, prioritize their emotional well-being, foster a positive school environment, and cultivate collaborative partnerships with families.