re: How to dead lift without hurting yourself

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start out with a trap bar if you have access to one.

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I'd look at the trap bar as a fundamentally different movement to train.

Everything from position, loading and bracing is different trap bar to straight bar. That doesn't mean a trap bar is bad, but that it's more a standalone lift and less a tool to learn straight bar deadlifts.

If you're looking to teach progressions for straight bar for people who need to build flexibility, do block pulls. If you have the flexibility, I'd train off the floor with a focus on light weights and good positioning. Maybe work some paused deadlifts to reinforce positioning when breaking the floor.

Or you could just do trap bar deads as a main movement. It's a valid option for anyone if you don't care about powerlifting.