Date of Completion

Spring 5-12-2026

Thesis Advisor(s)

Anne Gebelein

Honors Major

Latino and Latin American Studies

Disciplines

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Early Childhood Education | Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration | Language and Literacy Education | Latin American Studies | Migration Studies | Other Mental and Social Health | Race and Ethnicity | Social Justice | Social Psychology and Interaction | Social Welfare | Social Work

Abstract

Anti-immigrant rhetoric, policies, and practices, which have grown increasingly prevalent due to the current national political climate, have adverse effects on the mental health of immigrant families and the teachers that support them in Connecticut. This study seeks to represent the opinions of Connecticut K-12 MLL (Multilingual Learners) Education Teachers and Administrators whose daily lives are impacted by the anti-immigrant and anti-refugee policies and procedures. The study employed a human subjects-based approach supported by a review of related literature. MLL Educators from around the state of Connecticut were interviewed. These interviews found that while immigration-based trauma and stressors are common in students, families and educators throughout the state, representation, access to education, community solidarity and administrative support are vital to the positive development of immigrant student and family mental health. The study concluded that the development of statewide trauma-oriented and culturally informed trainings for teachers would decrease secondhand trauma and stress and allow educators to support their students in the best way possible.

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