GETCA 2025

Introduction: Educators say Canada's teacher shortage is at a crisis level, and that sustainable solutions are desperately needed. Despite being on the frontline of student support, the effects of secondary trauma on teachers are under-researched. Background: Since the 1990s, the concepts of vicarious trauma vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress have been recognized in various helping professions, including journalism, clergy, counseling, police officers, firefighters and healthcare. These conditions arise from indirect exposure to trauma through helping or wanting to help a traumatized person. However, teachers are often the first point of contact for students outside of their homes, and despite this reality, public educators have only recently been acknowledged as susceptible to these forms of trauma. Impact on Teachers: With the increasing prevalence of bullying, community-based violence, and abuse affecting students, teachers frequently encounter traumatic narratives. If we accept that trauma directly affects students' lives and their abilities in the classroom, we can anticipate that it will have some effect on teachers as well. Proposed Session Content: Detailed Explanation of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress: Define and distinguish between vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress, providing context and relevance to the teaching profession. Impact on Educators: Discuss research findings, including those from my graduate-level thesis, on how vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress manifest in teachers. Preventive and Mitigative Strategies: Explore evidence-based approaches to prevent or ameliorate the symptoms of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress among educators. Resource Sharing: Provide participants with practical resources to help them manage and mitigate vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress in their professional practice. Learning Outcomes: Learners will: Build knowledge of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress and how they impact teaching Acquire evidence-based strategies to prevent and mitigate vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress. Access practical resources for managing secondary trauma in their daily practice. Conclusion: By recognizing and addressing the impacts of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress, we can better support the mental health of teachers, ultimately fostering a healthier educational environment for both educators and students. Every profession has inherent risks; however, we cannot put protection in place for a risk that we do not acknowledge. Join us to learn how you can safeguard your well-being and continue to provide exceptional support to your students.