Pizza and PD: The School Psychologist’s Toolkit for Creating Trauma Sensitive Schools

The School Psychologist’s Toolkit for Creating Trauma Sensitive Schools

By: Terri Sisson, Ed.S.  

Children who have experienced trauma are more likely to have academic and behavioral problems at school, precisely the students brought to the attention of the school psychologist.  This workshop explores the importance of creating trauma-sensitive sensitive schools, how to determine if a student has experienced trauma, as well as how to intervene effectively.  Participants will learn strategies for assessment, counseling, and consultation and will leave with a virtual toolbox to use in every-day practice.

Goals of Presentation

•  Participants will understand the different types of trauma, as well as the impact trauma has on every day functioning. 
• Participants will understand the concept of trauma sensitive schools, including the school-wide changes that will help support students impacted by trauma, as well as all students in the school.
• Participants will explore the role of the school psychologist and will learn with new strategies to use in practice.  

Presenter: Terri Sisson, Ed.S.  

Terri was a practicing school psychologist for 24 years and is currently an Educational Assessment Advisor for PAR, Inc. Terri has held several leadership positions in NASP and is the current president of the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP). She was selected as the VASP School Psychologist of the Year in 2011 and was awarded the 2017-18 Community Partnership Award from James Madison University for her support of JMU graduate students.