Building Strong Communities Through Restorative Justice in Education

In this episode, Dr. Sam Fecich and Colleen Evens discuss into the power of restorative justice in education. Dr. Evens explains restorative practices, highlighting their impact on building stronger relationships, repairing harm, and promoting accountability within school communities. She provides a vivid picture of how this approach can transform education.

The Four Pillars of Restorative Justice

The discussion explores the foundational pillars of restorative justice: respect, healing, empathy, and accountability. Dr. Evens explains how these pillars guide educators in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where every voice is heard and valued. We also discuss repair and reintegration to encourage a sense of belonging. It shifts the focus to repairing community and relationships.

Implementing Restorative Practices in Education

Dr. Evens also provides practical strategies for integrating restorative practices into everyday classroom interactions. From morning meetings to subject-specific circles, Dr. Evens offers insights into how educators can cultivate a culture of empathy, dialogue, and reflection in their teaching practices. One of my favorite parts of the conversation was the lanyard suggestion shared by Dr. Evens.

Grab the Restorative practice question lanyard card

Overcoming Challenges & Building Resilient Communities

Dr. Colleen Evens also shares the challenges and benefits of implementing restorative practices in diverse educational settings. She shares valuable insights from her research and experiences, empowering educators to overcome barriers and create lasting change in their schools.

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