97. Creating Trauma-Informed Classrooms & Putting Kids First with Dr. Kristen Miller

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We don’t build houses without first laying a solid foundation. So why do we expect children to learn without first making sure they feel safe and secure? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">COVID has been a complex trauma for us all, yet we’re pushing on rather than taking the time to process the information and being mindful of what students (and teachers!) are experiencing. Because if students aren’t regulated, they cannot process academic content.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On this episode, Dr. Kristen Miller of With Heart Project is sharing her research on the brain and why, when we take the time to make sure our students feel safe and that they belong, academic retention and scores increase dramatically.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the episode, she shares her perspective on positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), acute vs. complex trauma, how trauma changes people, how teachers can meet the demands of students, and so much more.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">About Dr. Kristen Miller:</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following a three-year engineering career, Kristen Miller spent 13 years in education teaching predominantly high school mathematics, AVID and Career Technical Education, and serving as a middle school Vice Principal in Northern California. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seeing a huge need for high quality social and emotional interventions, systems and supports, Miller created a youth empowerment organization,</span> <a href= "https://www.withheartproject.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">With Heart Project</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">(WHP), to work alongside schools and districts promoting Social-Emotional Wellness (SEL), Restorative Practices (RP), and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In her inaugural year, she partnered with a high-poverty middle school in