Leadership Coaching

Too often the onus of restorative practices implementation is placed on the TEACHERS at school sites. However, it is ESSENTIAL that site administrators and school leadership teams receive leadership coaching because their participation is necessary for schoolwide change. Their leadership and commitment to restorative justice are instrumental in creating a school environment that promotes healing, accountability, and positive relationships among students, staff, and the broader community.

The following is a list of reasons why The Town Project believes it is essential for site leaders to receive coaching:

Understanding Restorative Justice Principles

Leadership coaching provides administrators with a deep understanding of restorative justice principles, values, and practices. It helps them grasp the underlying philosophy and approach, enabling them to effectively communicate and advocate for restorative justice within the school community.

Modeling Restorative Practices

Administrators play a crucial role in setting the tone and culture of a school. Through leadership coaching, administrators can learn how to model restorative practices in their own interactions with staff, students, and parents. By embodying restorative values, such as active listening, empathy, and respectful communication, administrators create a foundation for restorative justice implementation and promote a positive school climate.

Strategic Planning and Implementation

Leadership coaching helps administrators develop strategic plans for implementing restorative justice practices within their schools. Coaches can assist in identifying goals, mapping out action steps, and providing guidance on how to integrate restorative practices into existing systems and structures. This ensures that restorative justice becomes an integral part of the school’s approach to discipline and community-building.

Building Staff Capacity

Leadership coaching supports administrators in building the capacity of staff members to implement restorative justice practices effectively. Coaches can provide professional development opportunities, facilitate training sessions, and offer ongoing support to teachers and other school personnel. This helps ensure a shared understanding of restorative justice principles and builds the skills necessary to implement and sustain restorative practices in the school environment.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Restorative justice implementation requires collaboration and engagement from various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and community members. Leadership coaching can help administrators develop strategies for fostering collaboration, engaging stakeholders, and creating partnerships to support restorative justice initiatives. This collaborative approach strengthens the implementation process and ensures that restorative justice becomes a collective effort within the school community.

Overcoming Challenges and Resistance

Leadership coaching can assist administrators in navigating challenges and resistance that may arise during the implementation of restorative justice practices. Coaches can provide guidance on addressing concerns, managing conflicts, and effectively communicating the benefits of restorative justice to skeptical individuals or groups. This support helps administrators overcome barriers and maintain momentum in their implementation efforts.

Endorsements about our leadership coaching:

“Deb has been very helpful taking feedback from each session to help guide the next session. The admin team is starting to look at next year, and how RJ is going to fit into our scheduling, our PDs, and overall practice.”

“It [the coaching session] will support my commitment to alignment with restorative practices in my work with faculty/ staff.

“I appreciated that collectively, we were able to do some analysis with the staff survey results.”

The Town Project: Intake Form for Restorative Justice Training and Coaching

Thank you for your interest in accessing restorative justice training and coaching services provided by The Town Project.

Please complete the following intake form to help us understand your specific needs and customize our offerings to best serve you.

All information provided will be kept confidential.

After we receive your intake form, we will reach out to you via email to set up a brief intake appointment via phone or zoom.