Trauma Hurts Kids, But Educators Can Help

Children who experience trauma often face behavioral, health and academic challenges, according to decades of research. Kristine Argue, instructional resource and professional development director for the Illinois Education Association (IEA), teaches educators across the state about the science around trauma and brain development, and she encourages administrators, teachers and school support staff to find ways to make their learning environments more welcoming for all students.

The IEA is a statewide union that includes more than 130,000 members. Argue says school officials have an opportunity to reverse potential negative outcomes for children suffering from trauma by training educators to play a more supportive role in students’ lives.

This interview is part of our ongoing coverage of the effects of gun violence across the state.