Supporting Kids Through Sower Fellowships

When it comes to the academic and social success of children impacted by a history of trauma, every environment that offers safety, consistency and support has the power to positively impact a child’s future. That means the greater the number of educators and leaders we can equip with trauma-informed practices and resilience-building experience, the greater number of opportunities and positive outcomes we can deliver for children recovering from negative events. 

Understanding the impact trauma and stress have on a child’s learning, social interaction and emotional and physical development is crucial for any professional working in a child-focused environment. Training is needed, but earning an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction isn’t necessarily required.   

Education and childcare professionals can gain fundamental knowledge for responding to trauma and modeling resilience through Concordia University, Nebraska’s graduate-level Sower Fellowship in Trauma & Resilience, which also provides certification, in only four courses.  

The Sower Fellowship 

Concordia’s Sower Fellowship opportunities are designed as professional development specifically for Christians seeking to enhance their effectiveness in a particular field. Through a four-course program that can be completed in 32 weeks, students join Christian professionals, knowledgeable instructors and respected guest experts to uncover expertise that infuses their vocation with new skills and purpose. Students benefit from networking and support, expert mentorship and real-world resources they can use in their career right away.  At the end of the 12 credit-hour Fellowship, students receive a certificate of completion. If they chose to do so, they may apply their credit hours toward a master’s degree.    

T&R Strategies for School Counseling  

Trauma and resilience strategies aren’t exclusively for teachers and classrooms.  T&R practices can benefit professionals in any child-focused environment, whether it’s in an after-school program, youth group, daycare or similar. 

Sara Marko is a school counselor at St. John Lutheran School in Orange, California, who works with students, families and teachers to find solutions to academic issues as well as social and emotional problems. Marko recently completed the T&R Sower Fellowship to ensure she’s equipped to understand and guide the students and families she serves, as she often encounters situations that involve responses to trauma. 

“The [Sower Fellowship] courses gave me a clear perspective and the reset that I needed to see what is necessary to support the students on our campus, as well as our own friends and family, and even ourselves,” said Marko. “I feel rejuvenated to walk alongside our students and our faculty members so that we can create the best possible trauma-informed environment.” 

In addition to learning how to benefit others, many graduate students who have completed the Sower Fellowship in trauma and resilience also experience personal benefits.  

“Each of the [Sower] courses provided opportunities to reflect on a deeper level,” explained Marko. “I walked away with so many tools in my toolbelt to support our students at St. John’s, but also tools that I can utilize in my day-to-day life to make sure that I am taking care of myself, as well.”  

T&R Practices for Administrators 

Lewis “Trip” Rodgers is the education executive of the Congregational Life Commission at the Central Illinois District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS in Springfield. As a primary resource for growing and building relationships in local LCMS congregations, schools and districts, Rodgers encounters work with teachers, administrators and students alike.  

Because many Lutheran schools are limited to the number of support people available on campus, Rodgers concludes that it’s important to continue gaining knowledge through opportunities like the Sower Fellowship that enable everyone to support teachers and students.  

“I wish I had taken these classes earlier in my ministry. I am looking forward to sharing this growing knowledge with fellow teachers and administrators,” said Rodgers.    

Supporting Children Wherever They Are 

School counseling and district administration are only two examples of the positions and roles that can utilize knowledge from a Sower Fellowship in trauma and resilience. Wherever children are found learning and interacting, there may be those who need an understanding teacher, pastor or youth group leader who can help them build resilience to past trauma and recover from negative events.