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Advice

Restorative Practices

Introducing restorative practices to your school can provide a positive, effective alternative to exclusionary discipline.
masked female student with masked teacher in classroom Getty Images
Published: February 25, 2022

As the scrutiny over “zero tolerance” discipline policies has intensified over the past decade, more school districts across the country have been looking at alternatives. Alternatives that don't push out an excessive number of students, don't create wide racial disparity gaps, and that overall foster a more inclusive and constructive learning environment.

To many, the answer has been restorative practices. Learn more about restorative practices and incorporate them into the classroom with our resources below.

Students in masks using computers in classroom

How Restorative Practices Work for Students and Educators

Take a look at what happens in public schools where educators care more about creating a community built upon kindness, not consequences.

Restorative Practices Work, But They Can Work Better

For programs to succeed, they must be comprehensive and be implemented strategically. And supporting educators every step of the way is critical.
Janene Onyango

Be Like Janene: The Power of Restoration

Hear from Janene Onyango, a teacher from Twin Hills Elementary School in Willinboro, New Jersey as she discusses restorative practices and her anti-racist organizing.
Robin McNair speaks about restorative justice practices in schools

Member Spotlight: Robin McNair

Robin McNair, a restorative practices coordinator in Prince George's County, Marlyand, believes that education policies can either combat or perpetuate the school-to-prison pipeline.
Higher Ed classroom

Micro-Credentials for Restorative Practices

This stack of five micro-credentials is intended to give educators an understanding of Restorative Practices.

School Me Podcast: Restorative Justice

Hear more from member Robin McNair about using restorative practices in school.

Join Our Movement

We ask only what is right: equal opportunity for every student, every educator, every family. At home, in school, online, in Washington–there’s a right place for all of us to make a difference.
School counselor supports a young student during a group session

Resources to Support Student & Educator Mental Health

Find resources, information, and advocacy opportunities to provide both the mental health supports our students and educators need and the staffing and programs schools need to effectively address the challenges they face.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.