Teachers in Houston ISD Open Up About Daily Trauma in Schools

At a recent Houston Independent School District (HISD) takeover commission hearing, teachers bravely shared their personal experiences with trauma encountered in their classrooms. These educators described environments fraught with violence, emotional strain, and complex challenges that hinder their ability to provide effective instruction. Their heartfelt testimonies highlighted the pressing need for enhanced institutional support to safeguard the mental health and safety of both students and staff.

Several critical issues surfaced repeatedly during these accounts:

• Safety Risks: Frequent confrontations and threats from students create a pervasive atmosphere of fear among teachers.
• Mental Health Challenges: Elevated levels of anxiety and trauma affect both students and educators, with insufficient access to counseling services exacerbating the problem.
• Insufficient Resources: A shortage of training in trauma-informed educational practices limits teachers’ capacity to foster healing and resilience in their classrooms.