When students are coming to school with trauma, it will affect how they learn, how they see themselves, how they relate, and how they construct identity. In this session, Dr. Jennifer Herring will share how trauma, especially sexual trauma, shapes students’ experiences and what educators can do to respond with care. Participants will gain practical strategies for creating safe, inclusive classrooms and supporting healing through a trauma-informed, equity-centered approach.
Dr. Jennifer Herring, Executive Director of Worcester Education Collaborative is a survivor of childhood trauma and researcher in the field of supporting sexual trauma survivors in schools. In her role at WEC, Jennifer works collaboratively with community partners in creating high quality, safe and supportive learning opportunities for all student in the city. Jennifer is also a trauma healing coach and adjunct professor, teaching through a lens of racial equity and belonging. She is the author of Sexual Trauma in Educational Settings.