TeacherGoals Podcast Episode 11
Support Teachers and Students using Trauma-Informed Practices with Mathew Portell
"Eliminating the use of shame in education in schools and in classrooms needs to be a priority."
Founder, Trauma Informed Educators Network
What if someone comes to support you and give you the mental break that you need, even if it was just for a few minutes? Doesn't that sound like a dream? It doesn't have to be because after today's episode with our amazing guest Mathew Portell, you’ll learn how to support students, teachers, and staff members and establish a supportive culture in your school by incorporating trauma-informed practices.
Mathew has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. He is currently in his seventh year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. Principal Portell has had the honor of presenting Fall-Hamilton’s work to state and national legislators and has spoken to some of the nation’s most influential educators who serve on the National Commission of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.
Tune in and dive into trauma-informed practices that we can use to support our students and teachers!
3 TeacherGoal Tips
1
Tip 1:
It is important for administrators to support both teachers and students in implementing trauma-informed practices
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Tip 2:
Help students understand how to implement de-escalation strategies
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Tip 3:
Use the tap in - tap out system to give teachers much needed brain breaks throughout the school day
This Episode Features...
Mathew Portell
Mathew Portell has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator. He is currently in his seventh year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The school’s work has been featured on National Public Radio, PBS, the documentary "#Enough", and on the Edutopia website, with over 7 million views. Principal Portell has had the honor of presenting Fall-Hamilton’s work to state and national legislators, and has spoken to some of the nation’s most influential educators who serve on the National Commission of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development. In 2018, his work was featured in a monthly blog in Education Week titled "Learning is Social and Emotional" where he documented the journey of sustaining a trauma-informed school. He is the founder of the Trauma Informed Educators Network, with an active Facebook group and a podcast where educators and practitioners from around the globe share their own trauma-informed journeys.
Mr. Portell has appeared at national and international conferences, acting as a featured speaker, expert panelist, keynote speaker, and facilitator. The highlight of his speaking opportunities occurred in February 2020 when he was a featured speaker at the National Education Foundation Association's Teacher Gala in Washington D.C, an event designed to honor and inspire the country’s top educators.
Portell’s work extends past his educational experience. In 2008, he combined his passions for literacy and cycling and founded the national non-profit "Ride for Reading", which promotes literacy and healthy living through the distribution of books via bicycle to underserved children, and which has now donated over a half million books throughout the nation.
Mr. Portell holds a B.S. in elementary education and a M.Ed in curriculum from Tennessee State University, and completed his administration requirements at Trevecca Nazarene University.
Erica Terry, Host
Erica Terry is a 20-year educator and co-author of the Eva the Diva Girl rhyming picture book series written with her daughter, to empower young girls to build confidence and grow in self-love. She is also the founder of Healthy Wealthy Educators, where she equips teachers with actionable tools and resources to start a profitable online business and build generational wealth without stress.
You can find her hanging out on Instagram @ericanterry_