Ideas worth spreading

How can we support the emotional well-being of teachers?

2,813,896 views |

Sydney Jensen |

TED Masterclass

• October 2019

Teachers emotionally support our kids -- but who's supporting our teachers? In this eye-opening talk, educator Sydney Jensen explores how teachers are at risk of "secondary trauma" -- the idea that they absorb the emotional weight of their students' experiences -- and shows how schools can get creative in supporting everyone's mental health and wellness.

Teachers emotionally support our kids -- but who's supporting our teachers? In this eye-opening talk, educator Sydney Jensen explores how teachers are at risk of "secondary trauma" -- the idea that they absorb the emotional weight of their students' experiences -- and shows how schools can get creative in supporting everyone's mental health and wellness.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Contact your representatives to urge them to support Teacher Health and Wellness Act, H.R.2544.

Teachers: share your story with brave vulnerability here.

About the speaker

Sydney Jensen

See speaker profile

Sydney Jensen wants to shine a light on the emotional and mental impact of teaching students who have experienced trauma.

Aaron Reuben | The Atlantic, 2015 | Article

"When PTSD Is Contagious"

Aaron Reuben contextualizes the concept of secondary trauma through multiple stories, including that of a psychologist working in Lower Manhattan after the September 11th attacks. While he was not in New York on the day of the attacks, the psychologist suffered from PTSD after listening to the stories of hundreds of patients who were.

National Council of State Education Associations, NEA, 2019 | Article

"Addressing the Epidemic of Trauma in Schools"

This report, courtesy of the National Education Association, provides a detailed overview of the impact of trauma on both students and staff. The report also summarizes the known effects of traumatic stress on the brain and gives recommendations for action to improve the level of supports for students and educators.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network | Explore

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides an excellent overview of the impact of secondary traumatic stress on professionals who work with children who have experienced trauma. NCTSN gives a host of recommendations for organizations and individuals to implement in order to build resiliency and develop systems of support to address this occupational hazard.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Contact your representatives to urge them to support Teacher Health and Wellness Act, H.R.2544.

Teachers: share your story with brave vulnerability here.