What Knowledge and Strategy for Teachers about How they Reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Children and Adults?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is commonly a mental and emotional disorder caused by many factors such as scary, dangerous events and the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate what knowledge and strategy teachers use to support students with PTSD for their holistic growth. Specifically, this study answers two questions: (1) what knowledge do teachers need to know about PTSD for children and adults? and (2) what strategy should teachers develop in serving children with PTSD in creating a hospital educational environment for their whole-person growth? With my previous 15 year-teaching and administration experiences in the western and eastern schools, along with classroom observation and shadowing, and interviews with teachers, this study found that teachers need to sharpen three types of knowledge, including (1) understanding the factor and basic understanding of PTSD; (2) determining the risk factors for developing PTSD; and (3) building a partnership and communication skills for service engagement. This study also found that teachers could effectively use three strategies, including (1) cognitive-behavioral-based therapy, (2) evidence-based strategy, and (3) family relationship-building strategy. Finally, teachers’ classroom practices were recommended.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Students with Disability, Special Education, Teacher Educators, Therapy
