The COVID-19 pandemic has left long-lasting impacts on educators and students alike. According to a report cosponsored by the NEA, “what was once referred to as stress or educators ‘having a bad day’ – which might still be happening – has evolved.” Schools are realizing the very real presence of Secondary Trauma Stress (STS). Secondary Trauma Stress or compassion fatigue is defined by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network as the “emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another. Its symptoms mimic those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” By increasing awareness and understanding of STS, school administrators can offer teachers information, professional development, and resources to create a school culture that allows them to feel supported and safe while dealing with the effects of compassion fatigue.
