This chapter explores the concept of student agency and its crucial role in fostering effective learning environments, particularly for students with traumatic backgrounds. Student agency involves both the will to act and the opportunities to exercise this will within the classroom. It is shaped by individual capabilities and past experiences. The chapter delves into how traumatic experience can undermine a student’s sense of agency, manifesting as learned helplessness and toxic shame, which impede their engagement and academic success. The role of the teacher is pivotal in mitigating these effects by adopting autonomy-supportive teaching practices and creating a classroom culture that validates and responds to each student’s needs. Strategies include individualising learning experiences, minimising shame triggers, and fostering an environment where students feel heard and valued. Links to video simulations to illustrate the staged approach in developing student agency is included.