Associate Professor Judith Howard is an accomplished academic with a breadth of lived experience from her career in the Queensland education sector. Having worked as a teacher, school counsellor and student behaviour specialist, she has witnessed the impact of trauma on young people and the subsequent challenges for teachers. It was these insights that became the driving force behind Dr Howard’s groundbreaking research at QUT.
Rising societal and situational issues have led to trauma becoming a prevailing challenge in our society, and statistics show that there is at least one child in most classrooms living with the effects of complex trauma. As a champion for these young people and their teachers, Dr Howard was integral in developing ‘trauma-aware’ guidelines with the Australian Childhood Foundation, as well as mandating the trauma-aware subject as part of QUT’s education degree.
The impact of trauma extends beyond the classroom too, and can be widely felt in work-places and organisations. By undertaking a trauma-informed education program at QUT, led by Dr Howard, you can become equipped to recognise the effects of trauma and provide support for those who are struggling. QUT has also developed online courses meaning these are more accessible than ever before. Learning about trauma awareness and it’s subsequent strategies can have a ripple effect that builds a more resilient and emotionally-healthy society.
If you are an educator or professional and your organisation would benefit from developing trauma-awareness leadership, find out more about QUT's valuable courses: