Episode # 103: Heather Grow - Trauma Informed Educators Network Podcast

Heather Grow has been in education in some capacity for 15 years. She started subbing in college, became a teaching assistant for a K-2 SED classroom, and then was a 1:1 teaching assistant for a 5th-grade student before her current position as a teacher of physical educator. Grow has been in her current position for eight years and has always strived to bring trauma-sensitive practices to her students. Most recently, she presented at a zone conference for her state physical education professional organization, the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD), on trauma-sensitive practices in physical education with a co-worker. Their session was so well received that they were invited to present at the state conference in the fall. She also co-leads a professional learning group within her district called "Teaching Through the Lens of Trauma." Within this group, they are doing a book study on "What Happened to You" by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey. They are collaboratively working towards making trauma-sensitive teaching practices a norm within their district, of which she is very proud. She is passionate about trauma and will continue to do this hard work for herself, her kids, and her students.