Trauma-Informed education Expert to Headline Stephen F. Austin State University speaker Series
Table of Contents
Nacogdoches, Texas – Natalie Thornton, a leading advocate for trauma-informed education and executive director of Court appointed Special Advocates of the Pines, will deliver a keynote presentation on February 24th at Stephen F.Austin State University.her talk, “Connected and Compassionate: Humane Education Strategies for Trust-Based Relational Intervention,” will explore practical strategies for supporting students impacted by trauma, both inside and outside the classroom. The presentation will be available both in person and via Zoom.
Addressing a Critical Need in Education
The event marks the fifth installment in the Montgomery Professorship for Humane Education speaker Series at SFA. Established in October 2020, the professorship honors the late Charlotte Baker Montgomery and her husband, Roger, by promoting the integration of humane education into schools. According to Dr. Sarah Straub, associate professor of education studies and recipient of the Montgomery Professorship, Thornton’s expertise is notably relevant to the community.
“As we enter the sixth year of the Montgomery Professorship and welcome our fifth invited speaker, I’m especially excited to highlight someone local whose work deeply resonates with our community,” Straub stated. “Natalie Thornton’s insights into trauma-informed education and trust-based relational intervention will offer our preservice teachers and community members practical, compassionate strategies for supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.”
From Classroom to Advocacy: Thornton’s Unique Perspective
Thornton brings a unique blend of experience to the discussion, having served as both a public high school teacher and the leader of a nonprofit dedicated to child advocacy. She is a national presenter on empowering children and actively participates in community boards and child welfare initiatives through her work with CASA.
Her presentation will draw upon her personal experiences,detailing the biological impacts of trauma on the developing brain and how these impacts manifest in the classroom.Thornton will also demonstrate the successful application of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles – initially developed for families – within an educational setting.
expanding Access to Crucial Insights
The presentation is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on February 24th in Room 212 of the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center. Individuals unable to attend in person can access the event via livestream through Zoom. Registration is available at gosfa.com/speakerseries_thornton.
Those seeking further information can contact Dr. Straub directly at [email protected]. This event represents a vital opportunity for educators and community members to gain valuable tools and perspectives on supporting the well-being of students facing adversity.
News Report Summary:
Why: Stephen F. Austin State University is hosting Natalie Thornton to address the growing need for trauma-informed education practices. The event is part of the Montgomery Professorship for Humane Education Speaker Series, honoring Charlotte and Roger Montgomery’s commitment to humane education.
who: Natalie Thornton, Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Pines, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Sarah Straub, associate professor of education studies, is the recipient of the Montgomery Professorship and organized the event. The audience includes preservice teachers and community members.
What: Thornton will present “Connected and Compassionate: Humane Education Strategies for Trust-Based Relational Intervention,” focusing on
