Eric Commons

Eric Commons

Associate Professor, University of Michigan-Flint

[email protected]

Lessons Learned

• As special educators, we are privileged professions with regards to protecting (e.g., responding) and also preventing (e.g., in our own practice) maltreatment. This dual responsibility is a prerequisite in creating positive, safe, and empowering learning environments.
• The more I learn about primary prevention practices and universal design for any one cause, the more I see it about being what we do for just everyone. Too often, differentiation and Tier 1 or UDL are tied to call and response (e.g., under ADA or IDEA) when it's just good for all, no matter what student or vulnerable population you are interested in. 
• I haven’t learned the lesson yet, but I think like trauma maltreatment is individually contextualized. What is maltreatment for one student may not be for another. Also, what is considered not maltreatment today, may no

Resources Developed

• Newsletter Article: New Study Spotlight: Confronting the Silent Impact of Verbal Mistreatment (Common & Ennis, 2023)
• Panel: TECBD 2024 ‘The Harm We May Cause and How Not To: Ethical Navigation in Helping Professions’ 

Suggested Resources

• Open Professional Learning in Ci3T: Ci3T.org 
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration: SAMHSA.gov
• Center on the Developing Child/Harvard University: Developingchild.harvard.edu

Collaborative Areas of Interest

• CEC interdivision collaboration (e.g., professional development)
• Conceptual or policy work