Why Community Matters
Stories That Spark Change
Explore the power of a positive and trauma-informed classroom community. When students feel safe, connected, and seen, they’re more ready to learn, take risks, and grow academically, emotionally, and socially. Backed by research and grounded in real-world practice, this section highlights the intentional strategies and everyday moments that build trust, nurture resilience, and create belonging. These are the stories and practices that spark meaningful change, reminding us that learning doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community.
A School Transformed by Hope
Linda Cliatt-Wayman stepped into one of the most dangerous schools in the country—not because she had to, but because she believed in her calling and in the potential of every student. From day one, the reality was frightning, and the fear was real. She quickly came to understand that her students had lost hope—and without hope, they couldn’t see a future. So she set out to change that. With relentless love and purpose, she poured into her students, reminding them that “not taking a risk will only lead to regret.”