Hosts: Wil Masara, Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes
🎧 A deep dive into what trauma-informed practice actually means, why it matters, and how educators can embody it every day.
Episode Summary
In Episode 66 of Podclass, Wil, Amanda and Skye return as a trio to tackle one of the most significant and misunderstood topics in education today – trauma-informed practice.
They explore what trauma actually is (spoiler: it’s not just the event, it’s the body’s response), how it shows up in young people, and the subtle but powerful shifts educators can make to foster safer, more responsive learning environments.
Whether you're new to the idea of trauma-informed work or have been trying to embed it into your teaching, this episode offers both grounding and growth.
“Trauma-informed practice isn't reserved for those we ‘know’ have trauma – it's best practice for all young people.” – Amanda
What We Talked About
What Is Trauma, Really?
The hosts unpack the real definition of trauma – not the event, but how the body responds – and explain the four key trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn.
“Fawn is often misunderstood – it’s people-pleasing as protection. That hit home for me.” – Skye
They also break down types of trauma: simple, complex, generational, and developmental, and why these matter for educators to recognise.
The Escalation Wave & Triggers
Drawing on the escalation wave model, the team explains what happens in the nervous system during heightened states, and how a trauma-informed lens helps us notice, respond, and de-escalate rather than inflame.
“The tone you use matters more than the words – it can either say ‘you’re safe’ or ‘you’re not safe’.” – Wil
Real-World Strategies for Educators
You’ll hear concrete, immediately actionable ideas – from predictable routines to tone awareness, to the power of relational safety and “letting them catch your calm.”
“Behaviour isn’t personal, it’s communication. That mindset shift changes everything.” – Amanda
Practical Strategies for Educators
Tone Before Talk: Prioritise a calm, regulated tone before content – tone communicates safety more than words do.
Predictability Over Perfection: Routines reduce stress and help young people stay in their window of tolerance.
Co-Regulation Is Key: Your calm matters. Young people can’t regulate alone in moments of escalation – they need your presence.
Avoid Power Struggles: Ultimatums or reactive language can escalate the moment. Instead, use simple, reassuring phrases like “You’re safe” or “I’m here.”
Invest in Relationships: Time spent building trust with students is never wasted – it’s your strongest tool in prevention and support.
Conclusion
Trauma-informed practice is not about fixing or diagnosing. It’s about showing up for young people in ways that honour their stories, support their nervous systems, and create safer environments for all.
Even the smallest shift – like tone – can be transformational.
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🌟 Brought to you by: YEP and YLAA