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

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.

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 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.