School-Based Restorative Justice Trainings

The Town Project’s professional development training and coaching sessions will support teachers and administrators with how to build community and foster positive relationships while addressing harm, conflict, and misconduct within the school community. Restorative justice is an alternative to traditional punitive disciplinary measures, such as suspension or expulsion, and seeks to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.


The Town Project’s approach to restorative practices typically includes techniques such as restorative circles, conferencing, and mediation. These approaches bring together individuals who are involved in a conflict or type of harm and provides them with an opportunity to express their feelings, perspectives, and needs in a safe and structured environment. Through open dialogue, participants work towards understanding the impact of their actions, repairing harm, and developing mutually agreed-upon
resolutions.

Why Now?

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for restorative justice practices in schools by increasing stress, trauma, academic disruptions, and disciplinary disparities. Implementing restorative justice approaches can help address these challenges, promote healing and resilience, rebuild school communities, and support students’ social-emotional development in the face of ongoing pandemic-related uncertainties.

Increased Stress and Trauma

The pandemic has brought about a multitude of stressors and traumas for students. The disruption of daily routines, social isolation, fear of illness, and the loss of loved ones have taken a toll on students’ mental health and well-being. Restorative justice practices provide a space for students to process their emotions, share their experiences, and receive support, promoting healing and resilience.

Academic Disruptions and Learning Loss

School closures, remote learning challenges, and inconsistent access to resources have resulted in significant learning disruptions for students. Many students have fallen behind academically, leading to increased frustration and disengagement. Restorative justice practices can address these challenges by focusing on individual needs, providing academic support, and working collaboratively to develop strategies for catching up and ensuring educational equity.

Addressing Discipline Disparities

The pandemic has highlighted existing discipline disparities in schools, particularly affecting marginalized students who may face harsher punishments. Restorative justice practices offer an alternative to punitive disciplinary measures, allowing for a more equitable and just approach to addressing student misconduct. By focusing on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of behavior, restorative justice can help break the cycle of disciplinary disparities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Rebuilding School Community

COVID-19 has disrupted the sense of community and connection within schools. Restorative justice practices emphasize building and maintaining strong relationships among students, teachers, and administrators. By engaging in dialogue, building trust, and fostering a sense of belonging, restorative justice helps to rebuild the school community that may have been fractured during the pandemic.

Promoting Resilience and Social-Emotional Skills

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of social-emotional skills and resilience for students’ well-being and success. Restorative justice practices provide opportunities for students to develop and strengthen these skills, such as active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. These skills are essential for navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and for long-term personal growth.

Why

Restorative Justice?

Practicing restorative justice in schools is important for several reasons:

Accountability and Responsibility

Restorative justice focuses on holding individuals accountable for their actions and helping them take responsibility for their behavior. By engaging in a process that addresses the harm caused and encourages reflection, students develop a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions and are more likely to make amends and learn from their mistakes.

Conflict Resolution and Empathy

Restorative justice promotes the development of conflict resolution skills and empathy among students. It encourages them to actively listen to one another, express their feelings and needs, and find mutually agreeable solutions. This approach helps students build healthier relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and develop empathy towards others’ experiences and perspectives.

Healing and Reintegration

Traditional punitive measures like suspension or expulsion often result in students being excluded from the educational community. In contrast, restorative justice seeks to repair the harm caused by the wrongdoing and facilitate the healing process for both the victim and the offender. This approach increases the chances of successful reintegration of students into the school community, reducing the likelihood of reoffending and promoting a positive school climate.

Preventing the School-to-Prison Pipeline

The school-to-prison pipeline refers to the disproportionate disciplinary practices that push students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, into the criminal justice system. Restorative justice provides an alternative to punitive measures, interrupting this cycle by addressing underlying issues and promoting positive behavior change rather than resorting to exclusionary punishments.

Strengthening Community and Trust

Restorative justice fosters a sense of community and trust within schools. By involving all stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and administrators, in the restorative process, it encourages open communication, collaboration, and shared responsibility. This collaborative approach builds trust among individuals, enhances school climate, and creates a supportive environment for everyone.

Education and Skill Development

Restorative justice provides an opportunity for education and skill development for all parties involved. It equips students with problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation skills. Additionally, educators and administrators learn restorative practices, facilitating positive interactions and reducing disciplinary disparities.

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 TTP.

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.