Disrupting and Preventing Racial Trauma Using UDL

To make schools safer and ensure that all students are ready for learning, educators in trauma-sensitive schools must work together to actively understand, disrupt, and prevent racism. Pairing anti-racist educational practices with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is one of the best ways to counteract the effects of trauma and support high levels of learning, safety, and justice for all.

In this one-of-a-kind resource—part of a series of laminated quick guides for preK–12 educators—you’ll get foundational guidance on disrupting and preventing racial trauma in your school using the principles of the widely used UDL framework. Jen Alexander and Andratesha Fritzgerald give you an accessible introduction to this critical topic, encourage deep thinking and engagement through “Try This!” exercises, and give you ready-to-use tips for applying trauma-sensitive, anti-racist practices in your daily work. You’ll explore expert answers to these essential questions:

• What is racial trauma?
• What causes racial trauma at school, and what are the effects on health and learning?
• What role do trauma-sensitive educators play in stopping and preventing racial trauma?
• How can trauma-sensitive, anti-racist practices grounded in UDL help us do better?
• What are microaggressions, and what can teachers do to prevent them?

 

PRACTICAL DOWNLOADS INCLUDED! Eleven downloads—including reflection exercises, a glossary of key terms, an Identity Lesson Plan, and a resource list for diverse books and materials—help you fully engage with this quick guide and take practical steps to implement trauma-sensitive, anti-racist practices.

 

About the Series: Quick Guides for Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools

Practical, friendly, and immediately useful, this series of laminated quick guides addresses the essentials of building trauma-sensitive schools—safety, connection, regulation, and learning. Jen Alexander has collaborated with experts around the globe to bring educators tips, strategies, and activities they can apply right away in their classroom and school. Each guide in the series also includes downloadable lesson plans and exercises that educators can use to take action. Equally useful for experienced trauma-sensitive educators or those just getting started, these quick guides will help school staff create environments that support every person’s well-being and learning.

Jen Alexander believes we can make a positive difference in the lives of students, one relationship at a time. That's why she's a passionate leader in the movement to build trauma-sensitive schools. Known by children and adults alike as "Ms. Jen," she loves helping kids—and giving others the tools and strategies they need to help kids, too.

As a former special education teacher and current school counselor in Iowa, Ms. Jen has more than 15 years of experience providing support to young people and the educators who serve them. As a popular teacher trainer, trauma expert, and author, Ms. Jen shows fellow educators what works and why when it comes to building trauma-sensitive schools. With a unique ability to connect with students, educators, other helpers, and parents, Jen is devoted to facilitating school-wide trauma-sensitive transformation through effective professional development paired with school consultation. Within minutes of working with her, educators know they are learning from someone who understands the real struggles of every day teaching and learning—and believe that change benefiting educators, students, and entire school communities is possible.

Ms. Jen holds degrees in psychology and special education teaching as well as a master's degree in professional school counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. She is also a nationally certified counselor and registered school-based play therapist.

Andratesha Fritzgerald is an author, international speaker, presenter, and facilitator who exhibits an audacious perseverance that calls organizations to evolve into inclusive antiracist safe zones for all learners. She has over twenty years in education as a teacher, curriculum specialist, administrator, and director.

 

As a Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Scholar, Fritzgerald exhibited audacity in teaching and a strong commitment to radical inclusion from the very start of her career. She was featured in Education Week, a national publication, twice. With a passion for Universal Design for Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Antiracism, she has led collaborative initiatives to craft organizational implementation plans, design lab templates, professional development symposia, and professional practice cadres -modeling expert learning while equipping others to do the same.

 

Tesha holds an Ed.S. in administration and a Master’s Degree in Urban Secondary Teaching, with an emphasis on language arts instruction, both from Cleveland State University. She has been a presenter at the CAST International Symposium on Universal Design for Learning, Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Ireland National College, and many other organizations and districts. Her award winning book Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success, (CAST, 2020) has equipped schools, districts, colleges, universities, and organizations to begin the brave actions to view and address equity in education. Her life’s work is to awaken, celebrate, and activate brilliance by breaking barriers and building bridges.

 

A self proclaimed book nerd, Jeopardy enthusiast and imagination expert, she loves writing and dreaming out loud with her husband, two children, and committed educators all over the world. She is the founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance Education Consulting Firm, established in 2018. Connect with her on Twitter @FritzTesha.