Date

10-2021

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MA)

Chair

Tess Martinus

Keywords

SEL, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed teaching, trauma, educators, public-school system

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities

Abstract

In order to fully prepare students in the public-school system for a successful, healthy future the public-school system needs to place a trauma-informed, social emotional learning program at the forefront of our education system. This thesis examines the short-term and long-term effects that childhood trauma has on a person’s body and mind. Additionally, it examines the history of social emotional learning and why the skills it emphasizes are so important for students to learn alongside academics. In this discussion, strong data facts are addressed to support the implementation of SEL across the public-school system. However, it also explores some challenges that those in education need to be aware of when implementing SEL and discusses why SEL is best paired with a trauma-informed approach. Finally, this thesis provides tangible suggestions for how classroom teachers can start to implement SEL into their own classroom even if their school does not have a program in place.

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