Leadership Certifications

We are building resilient, trauma-sensitive schools by empowering leaders
through a structured Trauma-Informed Leadership Program—an advanced pathway
for creating calm, connected, and thriving learning environments.

Our Program is Built on the Four As of Trauma-Informed Care:

Awareness

Through trauma-informed education and mental health literacy training, educators gain awareness of how trauma impacts the brain, learning, and behavior. This understanding lays the foundation for creating safe and supportive schools where every student can thrive emotionally and academically.

Avoidance of Retraumatization

Our program promotes trauma-informed care and restorative practices in schools, emphasizing positive discipline that balances empathy with accountability. These approaches reduce behavioral incidents while supporting student growth and self-regulation.

Attitudes

When teachers and school staff experience strong well-being and professional development for educators, they are more prepared to adopt a trauma-informed mindset. This shift builds trust, belonging, and resilience across the entire school culture and climate.

Action Steps

Educators learn to apply evidence-based strategies and proactive classroom management techniques that strengthen relationships, encourage positive behaviors, and foster calming classrooms. These practical tools align with continuing education courses for teachers and teacher continuing education credits designed to support long-term growth.

Leadership Certificate Programs

Trauma-Informed Leadership 

(Year 1 Certification)

Neurodivergent
Trauma- Informed Teaching 

(Prerequisite: Year 1 Certification)

This certification program is built for current and aspiring school leaders seeking to embed trauma-informed education and

trauma-informed care across their campuses.


Through an immersive, practice-based experience, leaders master the Four A’s of Trauma-Informed Care framework to strengthen school culture and climate, implement restorative practices in schools, and create safe and supportive schools.

Participants learn proactive classroom management, tiered supports (MTSS), and mental health literacy strategies that help educators prevent re-traumatization, boost engagement, and build a sense of belonging for every learner.

Designed as professional development for educators, this leadership track aligns with continuing education courses for teachers and may qualify for teacher continuing education credits or online graduate credits for teachers depending on state/district requirements.

Graduates leave equipped to coach staff, support calming classrooms, and lead sustainable, equity-focused change.

Our Theory of Action

If...

All staff are trained in trauma-informed practices and are provided effective coaching and feedback

And If...

The school-wide expectation is that all staff practice trauma-informed care of all members of the learning community

Then...

The school culture will foster safety, value, inclusivity, and engagement and of all members of the learning community

Which will lead to...

A decrease in office referrals, increased attendance, and improved learner outcomes.

How do summer institute leaders
create change back at their schools?

Trauma-Informed
Leadership Captain

  • Attends summer institute training/virtual coaching
  • Works closely with the Calmer Schools facilitator

Trauma-Informed Ambassadors

  • Participates in the CPD course
  • Helps plan staff meetings
  • Acts as peer mentors

All Staff

  • Attends four trauma-informed staff meetings
  • Opportunity for Avoiding Retraumatization CPD course

Community Members

  • Parent/Caregiver Workshops (Virtual with Prizes!)
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Benefits of our Leadership Certifications

Trauma-Informed Leadership Captain

  • In-Person Leadership Training Sessions leading to Certification as a Trauma-Informed Leader. 3 CPD Credits for Attending.


  • Exclusive Virtual Coaching: Participate in live coaching sessions with a Calmer Schools Coach to refine your implementation plan, troubleshoot challenges, and receive real-time support.


  • Comprehensive Staff Training Framework: Gain access to the Staff Learning Progression Plan, a step-by-step guide designed to help train and empower your entire school team with trauma-informed strategies.

  • Professional Development Prep & Support: Receive expert guidance and resources to confidently prepare for and deliver high-impact professional development sessions that inspire lasting change in your school community.


  • Opportunity to take the course Avoiding Retraumatization: Strategies for Reducing Office Referrals for 3 CPD credits (free with a coupon). All staff taking the course will be provided a copy of the book, Cultivating a Classroom of Calm: How to Promote Student Engagement and Self-Regulation.

Trauma-Informed Ambassadors

  • Exclusive Virtual Coaching: Participate in live coaching sessions with a Calmer Schools Coach to refine the implementation plan, troubleshoot challenges, and receive real-time support.

  • Gain access to and provide input on the Staff Learning Progression Plan.

  • Receive expert guidance and resources to confidently prepare for and deliver high-impact professional development sessions as a grade level or department representative.

  • Opportunity to take the course, Avoiding Retraumatization: Strategies for Reducing Office Referrals for 3 CPD credits (free with a coupon). All staff taking the course will be provided a copy of the book, Cultivating a Classroom of Calm: How to Promote Student Engagement and Self-Regulation.

All Staff

  • Usable materials including slide decks and “Strategy Packs” for all educators to implement strategies immediately.

  • Opportunity to take the course, Avoiding Retraumatization: Strategies for Reducing Office Referrals for 3 CPD credits (free with a coupon). All staff taking the course will be provided a copy of the book, Cultivating a Classroom of Calm: How to Promote Student Engagement and Self-Regulation.

Community Members

  • Virtual Parent/Caregiver Workshops: -4 Workshops (including prizes at each) in both English and Spanish.
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Our educators love our
approach to learning!

Your materials and messaging very much aligned to work we are doing.  March is a challenging month in schools, so reminding adults that kids are dealing with trauma and need us to support them was perfect.
Anita O’Neill, Principal, Clarksburg HS
This program transformed our approach to student behavior. We've seen a dramatic decrease in office referrals and an increase in student engagement.
Lance Astorino, Principal, Ranson ES
Our teachers feel more confident and supported in handling challenging behaviors, and the impact on our school culture has been incredible! (See full testimonial HERE)
Patrice Dowling, Special Education Teacher, Walker Mill MS

Leaders will be able to:

  • Apply strategies to integrate mental health literacy into the classroom.

  • Implement best practices for teaching neurodivergent learners within a
    trauma-informed framework.

  • Be able to create inclusive environments that supports multilingual learners.

Interested In Continuing Training?

Calmer Schools Advanced Leadership Credential in Neurodivergent Trauma- Informed Teaching

  • Purpose: Enhance trauma-informed leadership by focusing on mental health literacy for students, neurodivergent teaching strategies, and support for multilingual learners.


  • Prerequisite:
 Successful completion of Year 1 of the Calmer Schools Trauma-Informed Leadership Program.

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