Trauma-Informed Educational Leadership: Developing Leadership Practices Towards Social Equity

Trauma-Informed Educational Leadership, part of the Emerald Studies in Trauma-Informed Education series, is a new development in the field of educational leadership and specifically addresses educational leadership through the lens of trauma- informed educational practice. It is the first research to document work with leaders over time as they undertook the complex work to bring about changing their schools from trauma-impacted to trauma-informed.

The research is drawn from four Australian schools (secondary, primary and special education) in suburban areas that experience high levels of financial and social disadvantage and low levels of educational achievement. The authors research with school leaders has resulted in suggested key leadership practices for implementing trauma-informed strategies, embedded supports for upskilling and supporting staff to sustain trauma-informed education, and incorporating the mindset of a trauma-informed leader working towards student achievement and equity within their communities.

The authors explore how school leaders can support teachers to change their practice in the classroom, how they can move their schools from undertaking professional learning in trauma-informed positive education (TIPE) to then implementing, maintaining and growing a positive trauma-informed culture in their schools and what leadership practices are pivotal to bringing about change.

Helen Stokes is a Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Education. Her research explores trauma-informed instructional practices and relational pedagogies with a focus on how schools lead their implementation in low socio-economic communities.

Jack Grieg is a Senior Consultant at Berry Street Education Model and a DEd candidate at the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Education. His research explores pathways to social equity and school engagement through trauma-informed pedagogies, culturally responsive practice, and systems-aware school leadership.

Tom Brunzell is Director of Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Education. His research explores transforming school culture through pedagogies that integrate evidence of learning, student engagement, and trauma-informed practice.