What people have said about Beck;
'Beck is a clear example that trauma-aware thinking and practice in schools is vital.'
To a full room of intrigued audience members, Beck shared her story. In the most respectful and professional manner, Beck spoke of the complex trauma that she had suffered as a child and young adolescent, at the hands of those who should have been there to love, nurture and protect her but instead – hurt her in unimaginable ways. She spoke also of the safe haven that was offered by teachers and schools and how this helped to lead to her becoming the impressive, intuitive, empathetic and caring adult and parent that she is today. Beck is a clear example that trauma-aware thinking and practice in schools is vital – and can lead to students living with the outcomes of complex trauma – having very different life trajectories. Beck’s courage in sharing her story is impressive. Yet when you chat with Beck – she is less focused on herself and more focused on making a change for others who have been through similar harm. Beck has reminded us yet again that our children and young people who have lived through this type of trauma are “worth it” and we must continue to adapt our processes in schools to support their recovery and growth.
Thank you for sharing your story, Beck!
Dr Judith Howard
Senior Lecturer, Qld
June 2019
'There was not one person in the room left unmoved by Beck's story.'
"Beck's story is incredibly heartbreaking. However, it is also incredibly inspiring and provides poignant insight into the difference a teacher can make, without even being aware. Beck is a warm and engaging speaker who shares her truth completely for her audience. There was not one person in the room left unmoved by Beck's story."
Kathryn
Guidance Officer, Qld
June 2019
'Her story has an impact that leads to instant change in the way teachers work with children the following day!'
Becks story provided a view of trauma through the eyes of a child. Her ability to retell events that caused her incredible hardship and pain and to reference how teachers were the ones who made the difference in her life inspired me to look below the surface when working with children who may not be performing as expected. She delivers her story with poise and evoked the emotion of the audience. Her story has an impact that leads to instant change in the way teachers work with children the following day!
Natalie Wynn
Head of Differentiation, Qld
June 2019
'This is a story that needs to be told and heard by every teacher who has ever doubted that they have the power to make a difference.'
Beck's story was both insightful and honest and while bitterly tragic, it reached out to every person who has ever experienced childhood trauma and to those who seek to give them hope.
This is a story that needs to be told and heard by every teacher who has ever doubted that they have the power to make a difference.
An incredibly moving and powerful story told with such strength, courage and vulnerability.
Beck Thompson is truly an inspiration.
Denise
Primary Teacher, Qld
June 2019
'Her story and strength needs to be shared as proof that there are people who can help you through.'
I recently attended the Trauma Aware Schooling conference in Brisbane. One of the guest speakers I chose to listen to was Beck Thompson.
Beck shared her story from the side of a traumatised child. Beck spoke about the abuse she endured over years of her childhood by two different family members and the lack of acknowledgement by her mother. It was a topic and story very hard to listen to with the reality of the actual person being in the room with you telling you of her heartache, but the unbelievable strength she showed standing up in front of an audience speaking her truth as if naked bearing her soul was so inspiring it brought tears to many an eye in that room.
Beck stood with such poise and spoke with such clarity as she faced her past and thanked the people who helped her through those years – her teachers. That was probably one of the most important messages I took from the whole conference and the importance of listening to students and children without knowing the unbearable truths they face in their everyday lives.
Beck is a true inspiration for children and young adults being affected by trauma and her story and strength needs to be shared as proof that there are people who can help you through.
Lisa Berry
Qld
'Beck's story had an immediate impact on the importance of my job.'
Beck’s story has great value for teachers. It is important for teachers to remember that each child comes to school with their own backstory. Some children we see daily have a background of trauma,
which affects each moment they experience at school. As Beck notes, the trauma the child experiences at home can present as particular behaviours in the classroom. Sometimes, a teacher’s most important job is to provide a safe space at school for a traumatised child, knowing that learning
is secondary at that moment in the child’s life. A child must feel safe and supported to thrive. Beck’s story can help change teachers’ ideas around behaviour presentation at school and remind teachers
of the importance of a child’s background experiences.
Erin
Year Two Teacher
Qld