Develop Your Own Hazmat Suit

Created By: Heather Whitaker, Maine 2020 Teacher of the Year, Gorham Middle School based off information from Commissioner Pender Makin and social workers, Brooke Proulx and Jennifer Baker

We are all in the “people work” business. Yes, it is very rewarding, and we MUST acknowledge that we are faced every day with challenging situations that can be personally triggering and lead to compassion fatigue. We also know that our most challenging students are the ones that learn our triggers the fastest and it is part of their trauma profile to “push” our buttons. One thing we CAN DO to prepare ourselves emotionally is reflect on what WE bring into the classroom and the strategies that work best for us so we respond to our students instead of reacting in a triggered state of mind.

Identify the experiences, behaviors and/or situations that are most challenging. Be aware of external stressors that might be affecting your ability to stay calm on the job.

Recognize the changes in your body when triggered by these things or the external stressors you have in your life.

What strategies, mantras, quotes, etc. can you call upon IN THE MOMENT, so that you respond to your most struggling students versus reacting. WHAT IS YOUR HAZMAT SUIT?