This session is for individuals and teams who have some training or experience in restorative justice and may be using restorative practices in their classroom, school, or district, and are ready to dig deeper in their practice.

Description:

Now more than ever, schools are embracing restorative justice as a pathway to creating supportive, inclusive learning environments. To make restorative justice effective, educators must collaborate in focused, meaningful ways that prioritize student well-being and equitable outcomes. Our Restorative Justice in Education training provides dedicated, supported time for educators to evaluate practices, share insights, and engage in constructive and empathetic dialogue centered on restorative justice principles.

In this two-day, in-person training session, facilitators will learn key skills in leading restorative justice in their schools, experience active engagement with restorative justice practices, and receive a framework for fostering a school-wide culture of inclusivity and equity. This is not a passive session—it’s an immersive experience designed to encourage meaningful, hands-on participation in restorative practices. All participants will receive the Restorative Justice Facilitator Resource Guide, supporting ongoing development and collaboration in restorative justice practices.

Location:

Great Schools Partnership Learning & Collaboration Space 482 Congress St, Suite 500 Portland, Maine Date and Time: February 6-7, 2025 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET each day


What’s Included:

• Your registration fee includes:
• Lunch on each day
• Restorative Justice Facilitator Resource Guide
• Certificate for 15 professional development contact hours (participants are responsible for ensuring these will be accepted by their district)

Your Facilitators:

This session will be led by José Bou, who has guided hundreds of educators and restorative justice practitioners in implementing restorative justice across New England.

Audience:

• School and district leaders
• Restorative justice coordinators
• Teachers Community leaders
• Anyone who wants to learn how to create equitable spaces for all

Participant Outcomes:

• Understand the role of restorative justice in promoting equity and school improvement.
• Develop facilitator skills for leading restorative justice-based professional learning, both in-person and virtually.
• Explore protocols to support productive, compassionate communication focused on relational and instructional improvement.
• Plan restorative justice in education tailored to support equity and inclusivity in your unique educational context.

Topics & Activities:

• Learn and apply restorative justice circle processes that build trust and foster belonging among students and educators.
• Practice structured methods for giving and receiving feedback that is both supportive and actionable, centered on restorative principles.
• Engage in pairs, small groups, and whole-group discussions to deepen understanding and commitment to restorative justice.
• Gain skills in leading effective, inclusive dialogues, addressing conflicts, and modeling restorative values.
• Explore how restorative justice in education can be a powerful catalyst for equity, focusing on restorative interventions that strengthen student relationships and reduce disciplinary actions.

Lodging:

A group rate is available at the Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront hotel for $89 per night, plus taxes, fees, and valet parking for $40 per day. You can book your room(s) using this direct booking link. This rate will expire after January 6, 2025.

Parking:

• Spring Street Garage Parking ($4 per hour or $28/day max)
• Elm Street Parking Garage ($4 per hour or $28/day max)
• Arts District Garage ($5/hour or $45/day max)
• One City Center Garage (On Free St. closest to the building, $5/hour or $50/day max

If you are staying at the Aloft hotel, we recommend leaving your vehicle parked in their garage and making the 10 minute walk, or carpooling with other participants.