96. Keys for Teaching Students with Trauma

Feeling too stressed to teach? When student behavior feels overwhelming and nothing seems to be working, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But sometimes, the biggest shift isn’t in your classroom—it’s in how you see it.

In this episode Jesica Glover speaks with Trish Zenczak, a high school teacher and mentor, about supporting trauma-impacted students with a kingdom perspective. Drawing from her own experiences in the foster care system and 15 years in education, Trish emphasizes the importance of seeing challenging behaviors as a cry for connection rather than mere attention-seeking. She encourages teachers to respond with empathy, patience, and an awareness of students' deeper needs for belonging and security.

To better support trauma-impacted students, Trish offers these key strategies:

• Reinforce Classroom Structure: Help students understand their role and purpose within the classroom to create a sense of stability.
• Equip Students with Coping Tools: Provide practical strategies to manage emotions and navigate challenges.
• Prioritize Connection Over Control: Build relationships that make students feel seen, valued, and cared for.
• Empower Student Identities: Focus on strengthening students' confidence and voice rather than unpacking their trauma stories in the classroom.

Rooted in biblical principles, this conversation provides Christian educators with practical guidance on creating classrooms that foster healing, growth, and transformation. Learn more on the Society's Child Podcast on your favorite podcast channel and follow Society's Child on the socials: Facebook Group, Facebook, and Instagram 

 

Please rate, review, and subscribe to the Kingdom Educators Podcast and share with your friends in Education. And be sure to grab a hold of my FREE Daily Declarations, check out my courses: Your Kingdom Classroom (student teacher version HERE!) and 🔥 From Burnout to Burning Bright course to reignite your God-given purpose for being a Teacher on Mission, and connect to schedule Jesica Glover to speak in your area by visiting kingdomeducators.com/speaking

 

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