Abstract
Students identified with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often display a variety of challenging behaviors that can significantly affect both their learning and the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship. Addressing these challenges necessitates the development of authentic, meaningful connections between teachers and students, achieved through applying strategies designed to support student behavior and solidify a trusting relationship. This article introduces the TRUST mnemonic framework, a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to help teachers build rapport, foster trust, engage, and support students with EBD. The framework encapsulates five principal strategies: transforming perceptions of challenging student behaviors, rapport-building, utilizing restorative practices, supplying choices, and teaming with student caregivers. Together, these strategies provide a structured model for fostering positive relationships and educational experiences while supporting student behavior, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for students with EBD.
