Supporting Students and Staff After COVID-19

Your Trauma-Sensitive Back-to-School Transition Plan

When schools reopen after COVID-19 closures, your school will need a compassionate, intentional, trauma-sensitive plan for easing the back-to-school transition. That’s what you’ll find in this practical, reader-friendly new ebook from acclaimed trauma expert Jen Alexander.

When schools reopen after COVID-19 closures, both students and staff will have experienced months of unprecedented challenges, from social isolation and family illness to stretches of prolonged stress and anxiety. Your school will need a compassionate, intentional, trauma-sensitive plan for easing the back-to-school transition—and acclaimed trauma expert Jen Alexander is here to help.

Author of the bestselling guidebook Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools, “Ms. Jen” has developed a concise, reader-friendly blueprint for making the return to school as smooth as possible for everyone involved. In this ebook, you’ll get timely, adaptable guidance on designing and implementing a trauma-sensitive transition plan that puts relationships first, prioritizes emotional and social supports, breaks down barriers to learning, and empowers everyone in your learning community. You’ll also find simple, specific activities and strategies for helping every student and staff member feel safe, be connected, get regulated, and get ready to learn. Packed with the practical, immediately useful information every educator will be looking for, this must-have guide is your key to making a thoughtful, trauma-sensitive transition plan—and creating a learning environment that meets everyone’s needs better than ever before.

DISCOVER HOW TO:

Apply the four essentials of trauma-sensitive schools to your transition planning
Facilitate team discussions and professional development sessions to prepare for the “new normal”
Gather critical input from families about their concerns, experiences, and needs
Address the specific challenges of school reopenings, including separation anxiety, elevated stress, safety fears, the need to feel in control, and sensory overload after months of isolation and remote learning
Notice and meet needs: both your own and those of students and their families
Help students develop social-emotional skills to navigate the transition back to school (four lessons and extension activities included!)
Commit to examining and disrupting systemic inequities that affect children and families who have often been marginalized
Make a plan for self-care and maintain a healthier work–life balance

PRACTICAL MATERIALS: In addition to the activities, games, and social-emotional lessons in the book, you’ll get more than 50 downloadable resources, including journal pages, handouts, activities, planning forms, posters, and professional development PowerPoint slides.

Reviews

Amy Hanken, M.Ed., Special Education Supervisor, Early Childhood and Related Services, Heartland Area Education Agency - August 31, 2020
“Jen Alexander’s words reach through the pages to support readers—not only for our heads to plan, but also for our hearts to support; and help one another heal after a collectively traumatic experience. I cannot recommend this book enough for educators as we begin to untangle snares of trauma in our school systems and create new webs—those that create safety, support, and connection.”

Julie Beem, MBA, Executive Director, Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc. - August 27, 2020
“Just as we’re looking for back-to-school wisdom, this book highlights that being trauma-sensitive IS the bedrock of how we navigate the challenges of this extraordinary school year. And theory is backed up with practical, straight-forward activities that build resilience in children and educators alike.”

Dyane Carrere, M.Ed., Trauma Consultant and Staff Developer; Author of The Re-Set Process: Trauma-Informed Behavior Strategies - August 27, 2020
“Provides both big-picture understandings regarding stress and trauma as well as explicit guidance for addressing the emotional well-being of everyone in the school community during this complex era of COVID. It is an enlightening, encouraging, and practical resource for elementary educators.”

Author: Jen Alexander M.A., NCC

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