Hi! I’m Alex Shevrin Venet
(rhymes with “gazette”)
…but you can just call me Alex. I’m trying to change the world from my little home office in Vermont. Want to join me?
My driving belief about education is that all people deserve unconditional acceptance, and our schools can do more to make this a reality.
Trauma-informed education is a framework that helps us see and honor each person’s whole experience: strengths, joy, sorrow, and all.
I was introduced to trauma-informed education when I worked as an English teacher and leader at an alternative, therapeutic school here in Vermont. My passion for trauma-informed ed is partly fueled by hope and a love for young people, but let’s be real: it’s also driven by frustration and anger that our education system fails so many. We can do better, so I’ve made it my mission to help adults who work with young people figure out just how to do that.
I reach educators anywhere they are, which means that “what do you do for work?” is hard to answer at a party.
I teach teachers at the graduate level at Vermont State University and Antioch University New England. I facilitate professional development workshops online and in person (I’ve Zoomed into schools in 20 states and counting!). I also started offering pay-what-you-can online workshops in 2019 to help teachers access professional learning in a more accessible way.
I write about education for my own blog and publications like Edutopia and Mindshift, and in my two books. I also taught in community college for several years and sometimes teach in an after-school program at the upper elementary level.
In 2021, I co-founded the Nurturing the Nurturers Collaborative with three other educators to help support teacher well-being. We’re currently building out our vision and mission and I’m excited for the future of our work.
Finally, I’m part of the community team at Edutopia, helping teachers connect to resources on what works in education. (Now, you try summarizing all of that to someone who was hoping you’d have a one-word answer!)
Want to see more?
When I’m not working, you can find me tearing through a mystery novel, rewatching a favorite TV show with my tortico cat Charlie by my side, or volunteering backstage with my community theater. I’m also in the Vermont 251 club, where you attempt to visit all 251 towns & cities in the state! Next time you see me, ask what number I’m up to.