Ukeru Training Brings Trauma-Informed Tools to Beachwood

BEACHWOOD, OH – This week staff from Beachwood City Schools and neighboring districts and organizations participated in Ukeru Training, a nationally-recognized program focused on trauma-informed care and crisis de-escalation. The two-day session took place June 23-24 at the Beachwood Community Center.

The training covered several topics, including the impact of trauma on behavior and learning, de-escalation and communication strategies, alternatives to restraint and seclusion, creating safe environments using Ukeru protective equipment, and building positive, trusting relationships with students who have experienced trauma.

“Ukeru Training is an important initiative for the Beachwood City Schools because it provides staff with a trauma-informed approach to crisis intervention and behavior management,” said Dr. Jennifer Polak, Director of Pupil Services. “The training is designed to foster a shared understanding and consistent approach across our teams and build awareness of the Ukeru methodology in our area.”

During the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Polak and other Beachwood staff were trained as Ukeru Trainers and were able to deliver the curriculum to staff throughout the district. Each year, trainers must be recertified in order to keep teaching. 

The decision to host Ukeru Training in Beachwood was driven by the district’s ongoing efforts to enhance trauma-informed practices. After evaluating several models, the district chose Ukeru and identified it as a research-based, human-centered approach to crisis response. Typically, staff must travel to receive Ukeru training as there are not many districts in the area using this therapeutic approach. However, Dr. Polak successfully secured an on-site session in Beachwood.

“We reached out to the organization to coordinate an on-site training opportunity that would allow staff to learn together and apply the techniques in the context of our local needs,” Dr. Polak explained. “By bringing this training directly to our community, we are ensuring that our team is equipped with strategies that prioritize safety, empathy, and respect for our students, particularly those with complex behavioral and emotional needs,” Dr. Polak said.

Dr. Polak noted that the goal is for every participant to walk away from the training with not just knowledge, but real, usable tools.

“We want them to feel empowered to support students through calm, respectful, and compassionate interventions,” Dr. Polak said. “Ultimately, we want to strengthen our culture of safety and trust across all school settings, ensuring that every student feels understood, valued, and safe.”