How to Help Students and Schools Through Traumatic Times

In today’s episode, we discuss a critical issue many schools are facing—how to help students and staff heal from trauma. Whether it’s a safety event, severe weather like Hurricane Helene, or individual traumas, schools across the nation are navigating unprecedented challenges. To help students learn, we must first help them process what they’ve been through. As Lana Penley says, “In moments of crisis, we need to provide space for students and teachers to process what they’ve been through before diving back into academics.”

I want to acknowledge those still in the midst of trauma, like those affected by ongoing flooding in North Carolina. We have to meet their immediate needs first, as we cannot move forward until people feel safe and supported. While my hometown of Camilla, Georgia, was spared from the worst of Hurricane Helene, I know many of you are still facing tremendous struggles, and my heart is with you.

In this episode, Lana Penley shares her powerful story of transformation. After her school burned down, she realized that test scores weren’t the primary goal—what truly mattered was creating a sense of community, connection, and healing. As her school focused on relationships, both with students and among the staff, they saw remarkable changes: teachers felt less burnout, students were more engaged, and yes, test scores went up. This episode is a resource for educators and principals who are hurting, who want to help their students, and who need to know that it’s okay to pause and heal before pushing forward.

Questions Answered in This Episode

• How do you help students and teachers heal after a traumatic event in a school community?
• What are the key steps to take in the aftermath of trauma, such as a hurricane or school safety event?
• How can schools create connection and community to create a safe learning environment?
• What practical strategies can teachers use to bring social-emotional learning into their classrooms?
• How can educators balance the need for academic progress with the emotional needs of students and staff?
• What lessons did Principal Lana Penley learn from her school burning down, and how did it change her approach to education?
• Why is it important to address the emotional needs of teachers as well as students in times of crisis?
• What role does mindfulness and stress reduction play in helping students and staff recover and thrive?

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About Lana Penley (Bio As Submitted)

Lana Penley, a renowned speaker, celebrated author, and esteemed former Principal, stands at the forefront of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). As the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Unlocking SEL, she brings 25 years of experience, shaping her groundbreaking, mindfulness-based approaches and solidifying her status as a preeminent voice in SEL. Her upcoming publication, “Unlocking SEL: The 5 Keys to Transform Schools through Social and Emotional Learning,” is set to be a game-changer in the field, offering a vital resource for educators and learners alike. Lana’s prowess extends beyond writing; she is a dynamic speaker, captivating audiences at numerous events. Her unique blend of engaging storytelling, wit, genuine emotional connection, and her knack for delivering practical insights make her sessions unforgettable. Lana embodies the essence of mindfulness, advocating for its principles and living them, thereby providing profound insights into nurturing thriving educational environments.

Lana Penley’s dedication to SEL transcends mere academic theory, manifesting as a deep, heartfelt commitment. Her contributions go beyond participation in educational conversations; she is a visionary, reshaping the education landscape. Lana Penley emerges as the quintessential mentor and leader for those on a quest for motivation and guidance in the world of SEL.

Blog: https://www.unlockingsel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlockingsel

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-penley-86b1021a9/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockingSEL

How to Get the Transcript

The easiest way to get the transcript is to go in Apple Podcasts and press the show link and a download transcript option will appear. that is the best transcript. If you do not wish to do that, you can download a transcript I created with Adobe Premiere Pro and formatted with ChatGPT. (Unfortunately I have found that sometimes ChatGPT is leaving out a sentence or word here and there and so the Apple transcripts are more accurate, but after checking. This one is pretty good.)