What happens when trauma-informed and wellbeing practices become the norm?
For many teachers, the answer begins with those students who made us pause, rethink our approach, and search for better ways to help them learn. Over time, those individual moments have grown into a wider movement, reshaping how we see teaching, learning, and the future of education.
In this week’s episode of The School of Wellbeing podcast, I sit down with Dr Tom Brunzell, Director of Education at Berry Street and co-author of Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms, to explore how trauma-informed practice has evolved and what is next for schools.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How trauma-informed education has evolved over the past twenty years.
- Why intersectionality is key to supporting diverse learners.
- The role allied health professionals play in schools.
- Why policy and resources are essential for driving systemic change.
- Why trauma-informed practice is now the foundation of effective teaching and learning.
- What gives Tom hope for the future of education.
Who is Dr Tom Brunzell?
Dr Tom Brunzell is the Director of Education at Berry Street and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education. He is internationally recognised for his leadership in trauma-informed practice, wellbeing in schools, and educational equity.
Together with Dr Jacolyn Norrish, Tom authored Creating Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms, a book that deserves a place in every educator’s back pocket and on the shelf of every staff room. It is filled with practical strategies to nurture student healing, growth, and learning.
Why does this conversation matter?
Teachers know firsthand how high the stakes feel. Every day in schools, there are students with complex needs to support, classes to teach, and the constant juggle of where to spend my limited time and energy.
The field of trauma-informed education is maturing and our understanding is deepening. This work is no longer about quick fixes or optional extras. It is becoming the foundation of how we teach, lead, and create schools where both staff and students can thrive.
You can quote us on that…
“I want new teachers to be teachers for a long time.”
Dr Tom Brunzell
“What are you doing to ensure your students feel well and do well and know that they’ve got these things called strengths?”
Dr Tom Brunzell
Contact
Dr Tom Brunzell – LinkedIn | Berry Street | Book | Berry Street Education Model | Research
Want to learn more?
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Hi, I'm Meg!
B.Phys Ed, M. Ed (Student Wellbeing), CIPP
I’m a teacher with experience working in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education and coaching. I founded Open Mind Education in 2013 with a vision of sharing practical, enriching wellbeing education with staff, parents, and broader school communities.
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