Dr. Judith Howard, Associate Professor of Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Dr. Lyra L’Estrange, Senior Lecturer in Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), will lead this session on Trauma Aware Education on ‘An education system solution to the complex systemic problem of child abuse and neglect: One Australian university’s approach’.
This is webinar is organised by ACAMH’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Special Interest Group.
About the webinar
For many years, Australian education systems have struggled to manage the needs of trauma-impacted young learners without resorting to exclusionary disciplinary practices. Recently, the importance of trauma-informed care in education has gained recognition. The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is leading a national effort to promote trauma-awareness and trauma-informed practices across Australian education systems.
The QUT Trauma-Aware Education Team aims to provide quality trauma-aware education for pre-service teachers and post-graduate courses for practicing educators, while also developing leadership capacity and promoting trauma-informed pedagogy in higher education. Additionally, they host a biennial national Trauma-Aware Education conference and conduct research to enhance trauma-aware education knowledge and practice.
QUT’s efforts have significantly increased interest and application of trauma-aware education across Australia. Despite challenges in impacting a large, complex education system, QUT’s commitment to providing quality learning opportunities and resources has established them as a national leader in trauma-aware education. Research evaluation data indicates positive impacts on graduate students, continuing into their first year of employment, and strong postgraduate outcomes related to implementation.
During this presentation, the QUT Trauma-Aware Education Team share insights and practical ways to provide quality trauma-aware education, develop leadership capacity, promote trauma-informed pedagogy, and enhance trauma-aware education knowledge and practice through research and conferences.
Learning outcomes
- To understand the significance of trauma-aware education as a systemic solution to addressing childhood trauma
- To recognise the interdisciplinary nature of trauma-aware education
- To provide practical insights and strategies for practitioners to advance and advocate for trauma-awareness
About the speakers
Dr. Judith Howard, an Associate Professor of Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, is a leading authority in Trauma-Aware Education. Her work is dedicated to addressing the needs of young learners affected by complex trauma, and supporting the educators who work hard to teach them. Leading the development of pre-service and postgraduate teacher education in Trauma-Aware Education at QUT, Dr. Howard has positioned the university at the forefront of this field in Australia. She also serves as the principal chair of the biennial International Trauma-Aware Education Conference, further defining her status as an international leader in this area.
Dr. Lyra L’Estrange, a Senior Lecturer in Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, is committed to advancing trauma-informed practices in schools and early childhood centers. By translating research on the biological and neurological effects of stress and trauma on learning, she equips educators with the tools they need to transform classrooms. Dr. L’Estrange’s research plays a crucial role in shaping national trauma-informed education guidelines and informs her influential position on the committee of the International Trauma-Aware Education Conference.