Solstice West RTC, a comprehensive residential treatment center for adolescents, highlights the critical role of trauma-informed classrooms in improving educational experiences for students who have faced adversity. Jamie Murphy, Academic Director at Solstice West, emphasizes the importance of equipping educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to support students who have been affected by trauma.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Learning
"Understanding the neurobiology of trauma and its impact on learning and behavior is foundational for creating trauma-informed classrooms," said Murphy. "When educators are trained in this approach, they can help students begin to heal, regulate, and thrive in ways that traditional methods often overlook."
Murphy, who has spent a significant portion of her career in residential treatment settings, has seen firsthand how early adverse experiences can shape a child's brain development. According to data from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 1 in 4 children in the United States will experience at least one traumatic event before the age of 16. These experiences can have a profound impact on a student's ability to regulate emotions, focus in the classroom, and sustain positive relationships.
Building Educator Capacity for Trauma-Informed Practices
Drawing from her extensive experience, Murphy emphasizes the importance of building educator capacity to create trauma-sensitive environments. "It's one thing for a teacher to see disruptive behavior," Murphy explained, "but it's another thing entirely to understand the 'why' behind the behavior and respond in ways that rebuild trust and connection."
Murphy's commitment to enhancing trauma-informed practices was reinforced through training with Natural Lifemanship, a program that focuses on equipping educators with science-based strategies. This training not only deepened her expertise but also inspired her to lead similar initiatives for her team at Solstice West. The goal is to maintain classrooms as safe, supportive spaces where students can focus on growth and healing.
Trauma-informed classrooms prioritize relationship-building, emotional regulation, and the power of choice. They help teachers shift from uninformed responses to behavior to responses rooted in understanding and empathy. "After leading my first trauma-informed training, one of our educators with over 30 years of experience said, 'I wish I could have had this training years ago.' This feedback echoes what we see across the field," Murphy added.
The Growing Adoption of Trauma-Sensitive Frameworks in Schools
The broader education community has begun to recognize trauma-informed classrooms as a critical practice. States like Massachusetts and Washington have implemented frameworks for trauma-sensitive schools, and research from the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative has shown that improved academic outcomes can be achieved when such strategies are adopted.
Learn More About Solstice West's Commitment to Trauma-Informed Education
"At Solstice West, we believe this is about more than just our setting," Murphy concluded. "All students, whether in treatment centers or traditional schools, deserve teachers who understand the complexities of trauma and how it impacts learning."
For more information about Solstice West and the work being done to support trauma-informed classrooms, please contact the admissions team at admissionssolsticertc.com.
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About Solstice West RTC:
Solstice West RTC is a residential treatment center for teen girls and teens assigned female at birth that has helped hundreds of struggling families on their journey to solving issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Solstice West, located in Layton, Utah, offers a specialized, clinically intensive program based on the specific needs of each student. At Solstice, teens discover their full potential. For additional information on Solstice, please visit solsticertc.comor call 866-278-3345.