Sharing Settlement and Integration Practices that Work: Understanding and Preventing Vicarious Trauma Instructor Toolkit

Summary

The Understanding and Preventing Vicarious Trauma Instructor Toolkit is an online, self-directed, evidence-based resource designed for English language instructors, particularly those working in the settlement sector. It supports instructors in delivering trauma-informed language classes while also addressing the mental wellness needs of instructors themselves.

About the Program:

Vicarious trauma refers to the negative effects on mental well-being experienced by helping professionals when they are frequently exposed to the traumatic stories and experiences of others. English language instructors often encounter distressing trauma disclosures in their classrooms, making them susceptible to the impacts of vicarious trauma.

This toolkit not only supports instructors in delivering trauma-informed language classes but also strongly emphasizes addressing instructors’ mental wellness. The interactive toolkit introduces the concepts of vicarious trauma, burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious resilience and explores how these experiences may arise when teaching learners who have experienced trauma. It offers practical strategies for trauma-informed teaching, tips for maintaining healthy boundaries, and tools to help instructors connect learners with appropriate community supports. 

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