Building Trauma Sensitive Schools with Jen Alexander, Episode #131

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by educator, author, and trauma expert Jen Alexander to explore what it truly means to build a trauma-sensitive school. Drawing from her influential book, Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools, Jen walks us through how educators can create emotionally safe, connected, and predictable environments where every student can thrive.

We unpack the core principles of trauma-informed education, including the importance of regulation, relationships, and resilience in the classroom. Jen shares practical tools for school staff—whether you're a teacher, administrator, or school counselor—to respond to trauma with compassion rather than control.

Together, we discuss:

(1) How trauma shows up in student behavior

(2) What "felt safety" means and why it matters

(3) How to shift school culture from punitive to restorative

(4) Strategies to support both students and staff in healing and connection

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes schools should be sanctuaries of support and belonging. For more on Jen's incredible work, click here. Her book "Building Trauma Sensitive Schools" can be found here

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