Connecting the Head and the Heart through Radical Calmness: Strategies for Trauma-Sensitive Classroom Communication

Format

Individual Presentation

Presenters

• Alexandra Thomas, Gwinnett County Public SchoolsFollow
• Erica Freeman-Jones, Gwinnett County Public SchoolsFollow
• Kelly Walter, Gwinnett County Public SchoolsFollow

First Presenter's Institution

Gwinnett County Public Schools

First Presenter’s Email Address

alexandra.thomas@gcpsk12.org

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Dr. Thomas is currently the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at GIVE Center West in Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Second Presenter's Institution

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Second Presenter’s Email Address

Erica.Freeman.Jones@gcpsk12.org

Second Presenter's Brief Biography

Erica Freeman-Jones is currently the Assistant Principal at GIVE Center West in Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Third Presenter's Institution

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Third Presenter’s Email Address

Kelly.Walter@gcpsk12.org

Third Presenter's Brief Biography

Dr. Kelly Walter is currently the Principal at GIVE Center West in Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Submitter

I am submitting this proposal as one of the presenter(s)

Location

Scarbrough 1

Strand #1

Heart: Social & Emotional Skills

Strand #2

Head: Academic Achievement & Leadership

Relevance

In this session, we will share how radical calmness can transform communication in trauma-sensitive classrooms. Drawing on our experiences, we will provide practical tools to help educators maintain composure, foster meaningful connections, and respond effectively to students’ emotional needs. Participants will learn strategies for creating nurturing environments that support healing, build trust, and promote positive learning outcomes through mindful communication.

Brief Program Description

Discover how radical calmness can transform trauma-sensitive classroom communication by harmonizing intellect and empathy. This session provides actionable tools for educators to maintain composure, build meaningful connections, and respond effectively to students’ emotional needs. Learn to create nurturing spaces that promote healing, trust, and positive learning outcomes through mindful communication.

Summary

In classrooms impacted by trauma, effective communication requires more than just knowledge—it demands a deep emotional presence and intentional calm. This session, “Connecting the Head and the Heart through Radical Calmness: Strategies for Trauma-Sensitive Classroom Communication,” offers educators practical tools to cultivate a calm, compassionate environment that supports all learners.

Trauma-sensitive teaching acknowledges the emotional and neurological effects of trauma, emphasizing the importance of safety, trust, and connection. Radical calmness, a state of mindful composure, serves as a powerful approach to help educators manage their own stress responses while fostering emotionally supportive interactions. This session empowers educators to communicate in ways that validate students’ experiences and encourage healing.

Participants will explore strategies such as mindful breathing, intentional listening, and empathetic language, designed to de-escalate tension and build trust. Through role-playing exercises, educators will practice responding to challenging behaviors with patience and understanding rather than reactionary discipline. Attendees will leave equipped with a toolkit of communication techniques that promote calm and connection, reducing anxiety and creating a classroom culture where students feel safe, seen, and supported.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, administrator, counselor, or support staff, this session provides actionable insights to transform how you engage with students experiencing trauma. Join us to learn how radical calmness can enhance your communication skills, strengthen relationships, and foster a trauma-sensitive learning environment that nurtures both academic growth and emotional well-being.

Evidence

This session is grounded in extensive research from trauma-informed education, neuroscience, and psychology demonstrating the significant effects of trauma on brain development and learning. For example, Perry et al. (1995) highlight how early trauma impacts neurological pathways, affecting emotional regulation and cognitive function. Research by Cole et al. (2013) supports trauma-sensitive practices that foster safety and trust, improving behavioral and academic outcomes. The concept of radical calmness draws on mindfulness and restorative communication techniques shown to reduce stress and enhance resilience (Schonert-Reichl et al., 2015; Gregory et al., 2016). These evidence-based approaches contribute to creating supportive classroom environments that nurture healing and growth. It is also based on the experiences of the presenters as teachers and administrators in an alternative school setting.

Learning Objective 1

Participants will be able to understand the impact of trauma on student behavior and learning by exploring the neurological and emotional effects of trauma in educational settings.

Learning Objective 2

Participants will be able to identify core principles of trauma-sensitive education that prioritize safety, trust, and connection within the school community.

Learning Objective 3

Participants will be able to develop practical communication strategies rooted in radical calmness, including mindful breathing, intentional listening, and empathetic language, to create supportive classroom environments.

Keyword Descriptors

Trauma-sensitive, Resilience, Radical calmness, Emotional regulation, De-escalation strategies, Classroom culture

Presentation Year

2026

Start Date

3-2-2026 2:45 PM

End Date

3-2-2026 4:00 PM

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Alexandra; Freeman-Jones, Erica; and Walter, Kelly, "Connecting the Head and the Heart through Radical Calmness: Strategies for Trauma-Sensitive Classroom Communication" (2026). National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference. 25.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/nyar_savannah/2026/2026/25