This is my tenth year as the school social worker working with a K-8 urban population. My students are the strongest, most resilient people I have ever met. Most of the students I work with have experienced something traumatic related to gun violence. Many of my students have either heard gunshots, known someone who has been shot or has lost someone they knew to gun violence.
Each year, more and more of my students show symptoms of unresolved trauma-related to the gun violence in our school's community.
When traumatic experiences are not appropriately addressed, it is difficult for one to self-regulate their behavior and emotional responses. Without proper self-regulation skills, students are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
My Project
Historically, my school has offered to fund for individual professional development opportunities. In the past, I have used my allotted budget to attend the Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW) annual conference. Because of significant budget cuts, this funding is no longer available.
Attending IASSW's annual conference will better me for providing trauma-informed care to the youth I serve.
At this conference, I will participate in workshops that will teach me the latest evidenced-based interventions for addressing the symptoms of trauma. I will learn more strategies for teaching self-regulation and coping skills specifically related to trauma. Your generous donation will directly improve my practice and can make a huge difference in the lives of my students.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Princehorn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
