Restorative Preservice Training for Equity: Recommendations From Restorative Coordinators

• In Event: Social Justice and Restorative Practices in Teacher Education

Abstract

Restorative justice is a promising movement in schools to address disparities in school discipline and the school-to-prison pipeline. Yet, implementation has outpaced research in this movement and has not yet reached preservice educator training. As part of a mixed methods study of restorative justice and equity in a national sample of school-based “restorative coordinators,” we conducted focus groups to workshop and gather recommendations from experts for preservice and in-service educator preparation. Findings include practice-based restorative training, trauma-informed care, and opportunities to reflect on their own identities, biases, and disciplinary approaches that do or do not promote equity and inclusion. We also posit recommendations for in-service and pre-service training that will enable sustainable, equity-oriented restorative practice implementation.

Authors

• Hilary Lustick, University of Massachusetts - Lowell
  Presenting Author

• Allison Rae Ward-Seidel, University of Virginia
  Presenting Author

• Larissa M. Gaias, University of Massachusetts - Lowell
  Non-Presenting Author