UMaine Hutchinson Center to offer restorative practices workshops for educators
This spring, the University of Maine Hutchinson Center will offer a series of five full-day workshops on restorative school practices for K–12 educators. Members of the Restorative Practices Collaborative of Maine will facilitate the workshops that will be held in Saco, Augusta and Belfast.
The first workshop on March 30, “Introduction to Restorative Practices,” will introduce participants to the restorative approach and restorative practices that have proven effective and sustainable. “Using Circles in Schools — Tier 1” will be held March 31. Both workshops will be held at the People’s Choice Credit Union in Saco.
The restorative approach emphasizes the importance of creating a positive, healthy school climate based on empathy, trust and respect. Research shows that students who are connected to school, peers and teachers in a safe, welcoming environment show academic and social improvement. Restorative practices are currently used in several Maine schools, juvenile correction facilities and youth-serving organizations.
Additional workshops and locations in the series:
- “Introduction to Restorative Practices” (April 6, Augusta)
- “Using Circles in Schools — Tier 1 Proactive Circles” (April 7, Augusta)
- “Using Circles in Schools — Tier 2 Responsive Circles” (April 27, Augusta)
- “Restorative Discipline in Schools for Administrators” (May 4, Belfast and Saco)
All workshops are held 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Cost is $175 per person per workshop, which includes materials, lunch and certificate of contact hours.
For more information, contact Kim Wilson-Raymond, kim.raymond@maine.edu. Register online.