By Julia Matson
The problem many students face in the classroom is that the education curriculum doesn’t account for the two-thirds of children who have reported experiencing at least one traumatic event by age 16. This is a significant number of students that are affected within the K–12 public school system.
Trauma refers to an emotional, psychological, or physical response to an event or series of events that are deeply distressing or harmful. In children, trauma can result from experiences such as abuse, neglect, loss, or witnessing violence, and it may significantly impact their emotional development, behavior, and overall well-being. Children who experience trauma may struggle with anxiety, difficulty forming relationships, and trouble regulating emotions.
Julia Matson is a Washington state educator with an MA in Instruction, with a concentration in trauma-informed practices. Passionate about fostering growth inside and outside the classroom, she spends her free time running, traveling, and snowboarding.
