EduBlogger | Talking about trauma

There have been a lot of "firsts" so far in this EDU 504: Teaching with Technology class. I can now consider myself a blogger, and what's more is that I begun following other bloggers: EduBloggers.

When reading through the endless list of educators who are blogging, I was first struck by the shear number of individuals who are expressing themselves, sharing frustrations, triumphs, and insights via their blogs. The range of topics span from classroom management techniques to amusing vignettes, hilarious situations to tear-inducing tragedies. It is also wonderful to see that these writings are not simply drafted, posted, and lost to the black hole that can be internet, like shouting into darkness. Rather, educators are supporting one another through comments, supportive insights, and the generation of dialogue. When first seeing this, I thought to myself, "Wow. I'm stepping into a pretty great profession." I've thought that countless times before but never in the context of the internet or blogging.

One of the EduBloggers I found has a blog entitle Practical Theory: A View from the Schoolhouse. This title caught my interest as I appreciate greatly the efforts necessary to implement theory into practice, something much easier said than done. Those, like this blogger, who try will certainly have developed some wisdom along the way. I ended up reading one of the blogs within this site entitled "How does your school deal with student trauma?" The title struck me as it immediately resonated with my current student teaching situation. Although I recognize that all schools have students who have gone through some serious trauma, I would argue that where I am placed—an adult alternative educational center—has a uniquely high number of students with trauma. Each day I try to teach students Biology but end up helping students talk through issues they are going through, lending support, showing students that people care for them, or pointing them to resources they desperately need. What I have learned so far in my placement is the importance of building relationships with students as the first step before effective or meaningful learning can take place. 

This EduBlogger simply reflected upon how inhibiting traumatic events can be to learning in the classroom. He encouraged his viewers to reflect upon the way in which they think of their students, communicate with them, and the focus of their teachings. He urged his viewers to remember that we are teaching students / people a subject matter. We are not just math, english, or biology teachers; we are teaching people first. 

It was inspiring to see that conversations are being discussed on this pervasive topic of trauma. I am encouraged by the fact that teachers are taking it seriously, and I look forward to joining in this dialogue. Conversation such as this, as I see it, can only result in positive change in teaching practices, school climates, and in the lives of individual students.

Here is the link to Chris Lehmann's blog Practical Theory: http://practicaltheory.org/blog/