This course provides educators and
administrators with an introduction to restorative justice practices in
relation to their classrooms and school systems. Restorative Justice (RJ)
supports building and maintaining community, social emotional
wellness, and improving
relationships and is an
effective response for harm and conflict. RJ is profoundly relational and will
strengthen connections between all members of the school community including
relationships among teachers, administrators, school staff, and families.
Restorative practices create a
positive, inclusive school culture and enhance teaching and learning. Learning
about restorative practices helps teachers better understand their own best
practices, provides language
to describe their approach, further
refines their practices, and makes it easier to
share what is working for them with others.
The class incorporates Reading,
Writing, Talking, Listening and Thinking Across the Curriculum. Specifically, it addresses the PLN frameworks in which varied
language experiences are seen
as integral to learning. Participants read, talk, write, listen, and think
about the implementation of these frameworks within the restorative justice
paradigm. In addition, participants develop a restorative culture and climate
plan for their classroom.