Pre-service teachers’ experiences with students impacted by trauma in the school setting

Experiencing trauma may adversely impact a child’s education, and research in this field requires a deeper understanding about how those working in the education system, specifically pre-service teachers, can respond and support children impacted by trauma. Pre-service teachers, who are our future teachers, play a role in recognising and helping children when signs of trauma are revealed, but risk re-traumatising children if not adequately trained during their university education.

Citation:
Carton E, Woolard A, Fitzgerald K, Martin K. Pre-service teachers’ experiences with students impacted by trauma in the school setting. Soc Psychol Educ. 2025;28(1).

Keywords:
Childhood trauma; Pre-service teachers; Initial teacher education; Trauma-informed practice; Primary school;
Trauma-impacted

Abstract:
Experiencing trauma may adversely impact a child’s education, and research in this field requires a deeper understanding about how those working in the education system, specifically pre-service teachers, can respond and support children impacted by trauma. Pre-service teachers, who are our future teachers, play a role in recognising and helping children when signs of trauma are revealed, but risk re-traumatising children if not adequately trained during their university education.