Trauma-Informed Social Emotional Learning (TI-SEL) Starts with You

Abstract

"Like it or not, English teachers stand at the very heart of the most crucial educational, cultural, and political issues of our time." (Pennycook, 2001, p.19)

This quote resonates deeply, especially today, where we often feel overwhelmed yet compelled to take action. Our profession is facing unprecedented challenges, unlike any I’ve experienced in my 30 years of teaching. However, I know that TESOL educators are an extraordinary community—compassionate, caring, and dedicated. In recent years, many educators have begun integrating Trauma-Informed Social-Emotional Learning (TI-SEL) into their classrooms, recognizing that supporting our students' well-being is essential for their academic success and life beyond school. While we’ve long understood the value of teacher self-care, it often took a backseat as we focused on helping others. Today, though, we must prioritize our own well-being. After all, leading a TI-SEL class can only be effective if we truly embody these practices and experience their benefits ourselves.