Supporting Vulnerable Learners: Trauma-Informed Language Teaching

Entry requirement

Intermediate Level

Sample Modules

Trauma-Informed Foundations for Educators: An introduction to trauma and its impact on learning and behavior. This module explores the neuroscience of trauma, the stress response system, and how trauma manifests in classroom settings. Educators will learn foundational principles for creating emotionally safe learning environments and fostering trust with vulnerable learners.
Culturally Responsive Teaching in Multilingual Classrooms: Focuses on strategies to recognise, respect, and integrate students’ cultural backgrounds and identities into the classroom. Educators will examine their own cultural biases, develop inclusive teaching practices, and explore ways to support displaced, migrant, and refugee learners through aﬃrming and relevant language instruction.
Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation Techniques for the Classroom: Explores simple, practical mindfulness exercises and emotional regulation tools that can be embedded into daily classroom routines. Participants will learn techniques to help both students and teachers manage stress, increase focus, and build emotional awareness and resilience.
Creative Expression & Art Therapy Tools for Language Learning: Introduces the use of creative arts (e.g., drawing, journaling, movement) to support emotional processing and language development. Participants will engage in guided art therapy activities and learn how to use them to foster self-expression, build connection, and support trauma recovery in language learners.Designing Trauma-Informed and Inclusive Lessons: Focuses on how to design and scaffold language lessons that prioritise emotional safety, inclusivity, and student voice. Educators will learn how to integrate trauma-aware practices into classroom management, materials selection, and instructional delivery—while still achieving language learning goals.
Building Teacher Resilience: Self-Care and Professional Sustainability: Acknowledges the emotional labor of teaching vulnerable learners and offers tools for managing compassion fatigue and burnout. This module provides educators with practical self-care strategies, reflective journaling prompts, and routines to maintain mental wellness and long-term professional resilience.
Collaborative Practice and Peer Learning: Provides space for teachers to collaborate, share experiences, and co-develop trauma-informed activities. Participants will engage in peer coaching, feedback, and group planning sessions, fostering a community of practice that extends beyond the course.

Respond to the urgent and evolving needs of today’s classrooms with our intensive 26-hour training course, Supporting Vulnerable Learners: Trauma-Informed Language Teaching.

Grounded in research and developed through a funded Erasmus+ project, this course is designed for educators working with learners who may have experienced trauma, displacement, or significant stress—including refugees, asylum seekers, and others navigating emotionally complex lives.

Traditional educational models often overlook the impact of trauma on learning. This course bridges that gap by combining theory with hands-on strategies that foster emotional safety, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive classroom practice. You’ll explore a rich blend of trauma-informed pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, and creative expression through art therapy—all framed within the context of language education.

Throughout the course, you’ll engage in experiential learning, with daily interactive activities, journaling, and reflection tasks that simulate real classroom scenarios. You’ll take part in peer collaboration, share challenges and ideas, and explore strategies that support both learners and educators.

A highlight of the course is the integration of art therapy practices, delivered through guided creative exercises and a special workshop led by a local artist. These sessions empower educators to use non-verbal forms of expression that promote healing, resilience, and engagement.

The program culminates in an end-of-course demonstration lesson, where you’ll design and deliver a trauma-aware activity that incorporates art, mindfulness, and emotional literacy—showcasing your learning in a supportive and collaborative environment.

By the end of this training, participants will:

Understand the core principles of trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching.
Gain practical mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques to support student focus and well-being and enhance self-care practices to maintain long-term professional sustainability.
Learn how to integrate art therapy activities into daily classroom routines to encourage emotional expression and resilience.
Design and deliver therapeutic, inclusive lessons that prioritise emotional safety and connection.
Return to their classrooms equipped to build emotionally intelligent, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.