Continuing Education

Trauma Informed Student Support

Recognize, respond, and build resilience for the students in your care.

Course Description

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of trauma-informed care in educational settings, designed to empower educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to support students and colleagues affected by trauma. In the first module, you'll delve into the foundational principles of trauma-informed care, gaining insights into how trauma impacts learning and behavior, and the essential role educators play in fostering safe, supportive environments. The second module sharpens your ability to recognize trauma responses in both students and coworkers, emphasizing the importance of observation and self-awareness in creating an understanding and responsive atmosphere. The third module equips you with empathetic communication strategies and self-care practices, enabling you to respond effectively to trauma-related behaviors while maintaining your well-being. Finally, the fourth module focuses on implementing trauma-informed practices that build resilience within the educational community, guiding you in the development of a practical action plan to sustain these efforts. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to create and maintain a trauma-sensitive environment that promotes the well-being and success of all individuals in your care.

Register Now

2 individuals having their hands on a thirds back

Course Details

Tuition:

$295

Format:

Self-Paced Online

Modules:

4

Prerequisites:

None

Instructor Amber Mcquire's Headshote

Instructor: Amber McGuire

Director, Care Hub | Utah Valley University

Amber is the inaugural director of the UVU Care Hub and just finished her Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership from St. Thomas University. Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, she moved to Utah to attend Utah State University, where she received her B.S. in Political Science. Amber also holds an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University. Amber has a passion for community, foundational needs, and education. Moving back to Utah to pursue a career in higher education, Amber worked at the UVU Center for Social Impact and as a co-advisor for the UVU Service Council between 2014 and 2022. She loves working with college students as they develop their passions.

Who Should Enroll

This course is designed for educators and support staff across both K-12 and higher education settings, including teachers, faculty, advisors, counselors, and administrators. Anyone who works directly or indirectly with students can benefit from developing a trauma-informed lens.

Course FAQs

What is trauma-informed care, and why does it matter in educational settings?

Trauma-informed care is an evidence-based framework that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on learning, behavior, and overall well-being. In educational settings, it equips educators with the knowledge and tools to create environments where all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. Rather than asking "What is wrong with this student?", trauma-informed educators ask "What has this student experienced?"

What will I learn in this course?  
The course is structured around four core competencies: Realize, Recognize, Respond, and Resist. You will learn the foundational principles of trauma-informed care, how to identify trauma responses in students and coworkers, how to respond with empathy and appropriate boundaries, and how to design and sustain trauma-informed practices within your institution. 

How is the course structured?  
The course consists of four modules. Module 1 introduces the impact of trauma on student learning and the role educators play in creating trauma-sensitive environments. Module 2 focuses on recognizing common signs and symptoms of trauma responses. Module 3 covers empathetic communication and appropriate support strategies. Module 4 guides you through building resilience and developing a personal action plan for implementation. 

Do I need prior experience with trauma or mental health to take this course?  
No prior background is required. The course is designed to meet educators where they are and build practical knowledge progressively across all four modules. 

What does "trauma-informed" mean versus "trauma-specialized"?  
Trauma-informed care does not require educators to become therapists or mental health clinicians. It means understanding how trauma can affect behavior and learning, and adapting your responses and environment accordingly. You will also learn how to set appropriate boundaries and recognize when to refer students to specialized support. 

How will this course help me manage my own well-being?  
Compassion fatigue and burnout are real risks for educators working in demanding environments. Module 3 specifically addresses self-care strategies to help you sustain your well-being while caring for others, and Module 4 helps you develop long-term practices that are both effective and sustainable. 

What will I be able to do differently after completing this course?  
By the end of the course, you will be equipped to recognize trauma responses in students and colleagues, communicate with greater empathy and confidence, implement trauma-informed practices in your classroom or institution, and develop a concrete personal action plan for ongoing application. 

Register Now

UVU Continuin Education Logo