Faculty interest group: Exploring trauma-informed pedagogy and “healing centered engagement” in higher education

The purpose of this interest group is to bring together educators, graduate students with teaching roles, and student-facing staff to explore the impacts of trauma in the classroom setting and to apply and practice trauma-informed approaches and equity-driven frameworks such as the Equity Centered Trauma Informed Wheel of Practice, Healing Centered Engagement, Polyvagal Theory,  as well as other frameworks such as those shared in Trauma-Informed Pedagogies edited by Thompson and Carello. Ultimately, we will explore how these approaches can set the stage for learning, contribute to increased student academic success and increase collective well-being. Beginning in January, we will meet 4 times per term, primarily online and occasionally hyflex. Each meeting will combine creative engagement, nervous system regulation practices, shared practices and guided discussions informed by selected readings and relevant media. New members welcome.

Objectives:

• To increase knowledge of the impacts of individual and collective trauma in the classroom setting. 
• To explore trauma-informed care and equity-driven frameworks/approaches. 
• To engage in shared practices that promote nervous system regulation, community care, and our collective capacity to remain present and embodied in moments of discomfort. Together, we will explore how to cultivate a greater sense of safety through presence and community engagement. 
• To brainstorm practical ways of applying the Equity Centered Trauma Informed Wheel of Practice and approaches from Healing Centered Engagement in our classrooms at Concordia and within the wider culture of Concordia.

Facilitated by Katrina Grabner, Art Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Professor, Creative Arts Therapies. 

To learn more the Faculty Interest Group please contact Katrina Grabner: katrina.grabner@concordia.ca