The Black Butterfly Model: Trauma-Informed Support For Success
Support For Teachers: Principles And Practices For Teachers To Incorporate In Classrooms
1. Benevolence
Leadership teams need to demonstrate goodwill
and genuine concern for staff well being.
They must exhibit an approachable,
supportive manner where teachers
feel confident in knowing they can
consistently depend on them to act
in their best interest and assist
with professional and personal
challenges
2. Safe Culture
Foster a pastoral culture where people come first and are trusted. Just as students
cannot learn if they do not feel
safe, teachers cannot be effective in
their practice if they do not feel
secure. Teachers need to feel that
they are valued and worthwhile and
must sense that are working in a safe
environment where their emotions and
well being are supported.
3. Systems and Structures
Establish systems and structures within the
school to ensure the fidelity, sustainability and
effective implementation of a trauma-informed
approach to education. These systems also create
a common understanding of roles and expectations
of staff and provide guidelines for them to follow and
4. Creative Budgeting
Ideas of providing extensive wellbeing initiatives are
extraordinary, however without the necessary resources and
funds these notions will not eventuate. Ensure transparent,
flexible and creative use of school funds, budget, community
incentives and fundraising to bring these initiatives to fruition.
Money that is raised should be spent to develop the students,
staff and school of that time, not saved for a “rainy day”.
5. Attunement
Stay connected and attuned to the multiple
demands and expectations placed upon
classroom teachers. Do not loose
sight of the reality for these “front line”
workers and demonstrate an
understanding of excessive
workload and time constraints
6. Build Capacity
Students should not have to rely
on the chance that they are
taught by a teacher who has a
reputation for achieving success
with “vulnerable” children. All
teachers should be capable and
schools must provide professional
development in trauma-informed
practices to ensure they are
adequately equipped with the
necessary skills and knowledge to
effectively teach and support
trauma-affected students, whilst
simultaneously taking care of their own
mental health and wellbeing.
7. Wellbeing
Schedule a mandatory time each week for
teachers to participate in care team meetings and
mindfulness activities to support their mental health and
wellbeing and to encourage and impart self-care strategies.
8. Value Staff
Explicitly expressing that your teachers are valued is
fundamental to their motivation, productivity, morale, attitude
towards work and ability to cope with daily school life.
Implement strategies, initiatives and kind gestures to ensure
that they feel included and that their hard work, contributions
and perspectives are acknowledged, appreciated and valued.
