Episode 2.2 with Mathew Portell: trauma-informed schooling

Mathew has dedicated a decade and a half to education in his role as a teacher, instructional coach, teacher mentor, and school administrator.

He is currently in his seventh year as principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary, an internationally recognized innovative model school for trauma-informed practices in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The school’s work has been featured on National Public Radio, PBS, the documentary “#Enough”, and on the Edutopia website, with over 7 million views. Principal Portell has had the honor of presenting Fall-Hamilton’s work to state and national legislators and has spoken to some of the nation’s most influential educators who serve on the National Commission of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.

In 2018, his work was featured in a monthly blog in Education Week titled "Learning is Social and Emotional" where he documented the journey of sustaining a trauma-informed school. He is the founder of the Trauma-Informed Educators Network, with an active Facebook group and a podcast where educators and practitioners from around the globe share their own trauma-informed journeys.

You can find Mathew on:

• Twitter @principalest
• His podcast, Trauma Informed Educators Network Podcast 
• His Facebook group Trauma-Informed Educators Network