Using TBRI in the Classroom: Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
As educators, we know that students bring more than pencils and backpacks to school each day. They also carry their stories, emotions, and experiences. For some children, especially those impacted by trauma, the classroom can be a place of stress instead of safety. That’s where TBRI®—Trust-Based Relational Intervention—can make a powerful difference.
TBRI is a trauma-informed model that helps children feel seen, safe, and connected. Originally developed for caregivers, its principles can be just as transformative in a classroom setting. At its core, TBRI is built on three pillars: Connection, Empowerment, and Correction. When we bring these into our classrooms, we create a learning environment that nurtures regulation, builds relationships, and supports every child’s success.
Here’s how you can begin implementing TBRI in your classroom:
1. Prioritize Connection
Connection isn’t fluff—it’s foundational. Kids do well when they feel safe and connected to the adults around them.
Try this:
Greet students by name at the door with eye contact and a warm tone.
Create rituals like morning check-ins or class meetings.
Use playful engagement—think silly voices, brief games, or jokes—to break tension and build rapport.
When students feel connected to their teacher, their brains are better able to stay regulated and ready to learn.
2. Empower Through Physical and Emotional Regulation
Trauma impacts the body as much as the mind. Empowerment strategies help students meet their physical and sensory needs, which in turn supports emotional regulation.
Try this:
Offer movement breaks throughout the day.
Have a “calm corner” with sensory tools, fidgets, or noise-canceling headphones.
Allow flexible seating when possible to support comfort and focus.
Empowerment doesn’t mean losing control of the classroom. It means giving kids what they need to show up as their best selves.
3. Correct with Connection in Mind
TBRI’s approach to correction is all about teaching skills through connection. The goal isn’t just behavior compliance—it’s long-term learning and healing.
Try this:
Use the IDEAL Response (Immediate, Direct, Efficient, Action-based, Leveled at the behavior) when addressing challenging behavior. Read more about the IDEAL Response: Using the IDEAL Response
When correcting, stay calm, connected, and curious. “Help me understand what happened” is more effective than “Why did you do that?”
Offer choices and re-dos to support skill-building rather than punishment.
Correction rooted in connection helps kids feel safe even when they make mistakes. And safe kids are teachable kids.
Final Thoughts
Using TBRI in the classroom isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about shifting how we see behavior and responding in ways that support regulation, relationship, and growth. It takes patience, flexibility, and compassion—but the impact is worth it.
Every child deserves a teacher who sees beyond the behavior and leans into connection. When we show up with empathy and intention, we don’t just manage classrooms—we change lives.