Abstract:

Attention here links the poetic and symbolic to mental health, in particular the social-emotional wellbeing of students and teachers within Canadian public schools. With new competencies enacted, teachers have been mandated to attend student mental wellness, including trauma, within the context of schools. Highlights from a transdisciplinary research project with girls will be shared, emphasizing details of the unique multi-method design of arts-integrated, body-centred, and relational practices. One result stemming from the study: a Research and Pedagogical Initiative, “Community of Practice for Trauma-Sensitive Pedagogy & Practice” for teachers, counselors, social workers, and curriculum leaders—will be shared.

Keywords:

Transdisciplinary, trauma, imagination, body, mental health, teacher standards.