Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms
Teacher Strategies for Nurturing Students’ Healing, Growth, and Learning
Tom Brunzell, Ph.D. and Jacolyn Norrish Ph.D.
Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms offers a compelling and deeply relevant conversation for anyone working in education today. Drawing on their experience with the Berry Street Education Model, Brunzell and Norrish explore how schools can respond more effectively to the needs of students who have experienced adversity and trauma. Their approach is grounded in both trauma-informed practice and positive psychology, helping educators to reframe challenges through a strengths-based lens.
Rather than offering a prescriptive program, the book invites educators to reflect, adapt and respond with practical strategies that can be woven into everyday practice. It’s structured around three clear aims: supporting self-regulation, building relational safety, and strengthening student engagement. Each chapter builds on these foundations, offering real-world examples, clear explanations and gentle encouragement to try, reflect and adjust.
Importantly, the book doesn’t focus solely on students with visible trauma histories. Its message is universal: all students benefit from classrooms that are safe, consistent and affirming. For school leaders, classroom teachers and those supporting student wellbeing, the strategies outlined are realistic, respectful and grounded in sound educational thinking.
Brunzell and Norrish write with a tone that respects the emotional weight of the work while also uplifting the role of educators. They remind us that building a positive classroom culture is not about perfection, but about connection, presence and practice.
Whether you’re in a leadership position, teaching full-time, or supporting students through wellbeing or learning roles, this is a valuable read. It encourages thoughtful, strengths-focused approaches that can shift both student outcomes and teacher mindsets. For those interested in relational pedagogy, student agency and authentic engagement, this book is a generous and insightful contribution.
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