Transforming Teaching & Learning through Holistic Restorative Education

This is a semester long course for in-service educators and is not "FREE"!

I teach this online course through Saint Michael's College and have created this EventBrite page to collect the information of people who'd like to attend. This is so I can support them through the fairly complex process of registering. Cost for this 3-Credit course is $1012.50 to audit or $2025 for 3-Credits

Course Held on ZOOM:

Wednesday nights 6PM to 8PM from January 14 to May 6 (No class Feb 25 and April 22)

Course Description
This is a 3-credit graduate course was developed based on the premise that most teachers and students want to be part of a learning community where they have the capacity, skill, and motivation needed to:

• take the risks associated with deep engagement with learning;
• speak authentically, especially when it comes to admitting mistakes or voicing concern;
• advocate for oneself and begin again after failure;
• name, acknowledge and repair harm done; and,
• experience equanimity and compassion in the face of challenges.

In this course we will explore mindfulness, equity, trauma informed and restorative practices as foundational and interdependent practices central to developing this kind of vital learning community. Regardless of previous training, you will be taking a deeper dive into content and applying learning to your school context so both beginners and experienced practitioners are encouraged to enroll. What is required is the desire to reflect and practice self-awareness in our interactions with students and colleagues.

Course material and assignments will challenge participants to become fluent in the principles, practices, and perspectives of this approach so that they can and not only apply them in their milieu, but be a leader in their own school’s efforts to transform their educational practice.

Emphasis is placed on each student’s unique goals and teaching styles, providing structure, resources and support for the tricky, often challenging work of teaching content while building community and attending to the social and emotional needs of students.

Finally, participants will experience the power of mindfulness and restorative practices as tools within a reflective practice, looking closely together at our teaching and personal lives.

This course is for the educator or helping professional who is ready to commit to a full exploration of these principles and practices in a way that invites significant shifts not only in how he or she teaches, counsels or manages others, but in their personal lives as well.

Vision for Change

After reading, viewing or listening to class content and actively engaging in learning activities students should be able to:

• view challenging student behavior as a strategy to meet a need, relieve stress or, as a result of “flipping their lid” and respond effectively;
• problem solve challenging student behavior by seeking to understand whether it is a lack of capacity, skill, or motivation at play in the behavior;
• practice self-awareness as you respond to student behavior to uncover the beliefs, biases, and personal trauma histories that might be influencing your response;
• develop a consistent habit of responding to student behavior after pausing to consider and inquire into their capacity, skill, and motivation, and your own self-awareness;
• empower your students and yourself to understand the “rules of the brain” and apply understanding to support the learning process, relationships, and space;
• maintain meditation and contemplative practices, even if only once a day, with the goal of developing and maintaining equanimity, self awareness, compassion, and resilience — strong ballast in the face of stormy seas;
• explain the what and why of restorative practices and mindfulness and share these approaches with others;
• share your learning with colleagues and school leaders through leading a Community of Practice, leading learning activities, or simply modeling;
• apply your learning to your milieu and track changes with Street Data;
• design and lead connection, check-in, and issues focused circles to develop students’ and/or adults’ skill, capacity and motivation;
• build a restorative culture through progressive risk taking, needs and strategies agreements, and authentic modeling;
• lead frequent check-ins and teach and practice emotional regulation exercises with students, colleague, or family;
• set up your class or space to be more restorative and mindful/trauma informed;
• use the Balance in the Process as a framework for all your meetings and interactions;
• use restorative communication to create accountability and strengthen community; and,
• bring the Holistic Restorative Educator competencies to your milieu.

Content - Unit Topics

One: Cultivate Self-Awareness, Resilience, and Compassionate Curiosity through Mindfulness

Two: Starting with Ourselves: Restorative Knowledge, Mindset, and Wellbeing

Three: ​​Learning and Applying the “Rules of the Brain”

Four: Creating a Holistic Restorative Learning Environment

Five: ​​When Things Get Challenging