A Practical Approach for Training Educators in Restorative Practices in Schools.
build a restorative school community
For teachers, administrators, students and school resource officers (SRO’s), LCJP’s training institute offers introductory or advanced skills training along the prevention to intervention spectrum. All our training is available remotely via video, in-person or hybrid. LCJP can provide introductory training with a minimum of 2-8 hours with extended multi-year partnership opportunities for implementation. During the 2021-2022 school year, LCJP has identified the theme of “Reintegration” as an important need for a whole school community. At every level of training, we support trainees with using restorative skills to meet the need for reintegration with self, peers and the school community.
Many schools and districts seek methods to cultivate a more inclusive school community to help all students and staff feel a sense of safety and belonging, and support academic success. Restorative practices provide a range of tools along the prevention-intervention continuum with the ultimate goal of creating a more respectful, inclusive learning environment. These tools do not function well in isolation; they must be implemented as part of an overarching commitment to school-wide integration of restorative values. It’s not enough to simply ask the “restorative questions,” or deliver a punitive response that’s masked with restorative language. In a restorative school community, every person understands and prioritizes living out the 5 Rs of Relationship, Respect, Responsibility, Repair and Reintegration.
When teachers and administrators have more strategies for classroom management and responding to violations of discipline policy, they are empowered to choose the most appropriate tool or intervention for a given scenario. When used effectively, restorative educators will notice an increase in classroom time for students and a decrease in time spent managing the same issues again and again.
LCJP will partner with your school or district to design and deliver training and consultation that takes into account your current school climate and the unique needs of your staff and students.
We love training students! Based on the success of LCJP’s Restorative Practices in Schools program, we are eager to work with your students and elevate youth voices’ as Restorative Ambassadors in your school community.
Training Packages Can Include:
Introduction to Restorative Practices in Schools
Connection Circles & Strategies for Building Relationships
Restorative Conversations & Agreement Meetings for Addressing One-on-One Conflict
Restorative Conferencing as an Alternative to Detention, Suspension, Expulsion
Restorative Practices for Improving Collegial Relationships
Restorative Practices Through Games & Experiential Learning
Assembling & Training a Restorative Student Team
I've heard about restorative practices, but you all gave me practical tools I can use.
-Waldorf Teacher
Recent Clients
One Educator’s Perspective
"Working with groups is a complex activity. Everyone is coming from their own perspective, their own personal path, and we often have no idea where someone is coming from before we as teachers/facilitators jump right into a particular lesson or activity, asking the participants to join our agenda without taking the pulse of the group or knowing where the individuals are coming from.
Using a brief connection circle before any given activity allows the group identity to present itself - a whole new entity is born which can then not only help the teacher/facilitator to guide the group, but create, in a way, a new teacher/facilitator! When a group co-creates this new entity, everyone is engaged, the tendency of participant passivity is minimized, and there is palpable equity. This not only empowers students/participants, but it alleviates the sense that the teacher/facilitator has to 'do all the work.'
I believe this is the educational approach of the future - groups working together to build a vessel for new ideas/initiatives/innovations to come through. Connection circles help us tap into the collective wisdom; we are stronger together."
-Cory Waletzko, Upper Valley Waldorf School Vermont
Learn about LCJP’s Restorative Practices in Schools Program
Thinking About Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School?
Please get in touch to discuss the specific needs of your school or district.
We want to hear from you!