As part of this work, we are weaving restorative practices into our organization in very intentional ways. Restorative practices, at their core, are designed to build and restore relationships. Instead of punitive responses to challenging behavior, a restorative approach promotes the power of relationships and community building as the “secret sauce” for changing behavior for the better. During this school year, I’ll be collaborating with principals across our district to share a series of stories with AWSP’s membership of our journey toward building caring climates in our schools that are grounded in respect, responsibility, and repair of harm.

Last spring, four NTPS schools engaged in restorative practices training with “Collaborative Learning Solutions” (CLS). CLS offers these trainings in partnership with OSPI and the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession as part of the Washington Inclusionary Practices Project. Schools and districts can apply and access their training and support for free.

What has made this training so special is that CLS trains two staff members from each building to, in turn, become “trainers” of restorative practices. In this way, we can build grassroots momentum and sustainability. These staff members are trained to provide ongoing support within their own buildings and will be co-facilitating with CLS trainers this October and December to deliver restorative practices training to four more schools in our district. Those schools will also identify staff members who will become trainers, and our ability to grow and sustain the work will deepen.