Page 5 - Revista

ELITETEACHERS

After a traumatic incident, the tutor or classroom teacher is the first person to provide a safe
space for students to talk about their emotions and express their thoughts. But help must
come from all layers of school community. Through assemblies, all the people involved in the
recovery process must follow a plan designed in collaboration with counselors and
psychologists. In Spain, we can contact ACIPE (Scientific Association of Psychology and
Education) and A.E.P.C.P. (Spanish Association of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology).

Teachers must help students feel safe and secure, but the path to get there is not always
easy. “When there is a single student who suffers from trauma, the teacher can approach to
him and let him know they will be supporting him. Then, the teacher can suggest the student
that if he wants to talk, draw or any other thing that can make him feel relieved, he is allowed
to do so”, states Sara Rodriguez.

However, when there has been a tragic accident that affects the majority of our students, a
correct way to proceed can be starting the day asking them what they’ve heard or what they
know. Sometimes there are fake news that cause damage. There are also misconceptions,
information that our students do not understand and they are scared to ask outside the
school. “We must not be afraid to tell our students we care for them. Especially after a loss,
they need to know that they are loved. They must also know that teachers are available for
them to seek help if they are struggling”, Sara states.

It’s not fair to ask them to study and pay attention to the lessons if they have bigger issues
going on in their private lives. After all, life is what matters, and well-being is extremely
important. Academic success requires personal stability and, after any traumatic event we, as
teachers, need to help our students recover their peace, stability and sense of safety. We are
not only their teachers, we are their support and guidance, and must be prepared to help and
protect our students whenever they are in need.

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NOVEMBER 2019 | ISSUE 05