Lots of considerations and take-aways from the day training. Mostly that my fundamental understanding of restorative justice is correct- repair the community, help it grow, help it deal with similar conflicts in the future.
One major take-away was in listening- listening specifically to the emotions, not just the details. Confirm the emotions, not just the details. I might have done that in my time, but never purposefully.
The community involved is varied and focused, all on seeing what restorative justice can do for their respective communities, much like I am here.
Another take-away: the focus cannot just be the students. You need to bring the practices into effect with staff and community. This strikes me as type 2 change currently. Not sure how many people, by their own classroom practices, embrace this system, or will actively fight against it (just one more thing).
Thoughts:
1. Leadership class as possible RJ class? Would Joann and Laurel be interested? How would it go down?
2. How to bring RJ ethos and systems to the faculty to get implemented in a permanent way? What steps can be done? What rules can we break?
3. How to deal with those whose only desire is punitive? How to support them in a transition? How do you coach them up?
Friday, October 20, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Long time absence, first time administrator
Hey Everyone,
It's been quite an absence. I had this and my podcast up until around the start of 2017, but then a baby, admin class, applications and eventually getting a new job as a vice principal at a middle school has kept me from updating.
Some obvious observations:
- Whereas before I was able to know about politics, but ignore it when I wanted, I am thrust into the full game of politics and ignorance can lead to me losing a job.
- It is odd not being 100% immediately embraced by new staff (like new teachers generally are).
- Difficult conversations are difficult.
- Communication is something everyone appreciates.
- Fighting to find the positive is absolutely necessary as a vice principal, lest you be overwhelmed by the negative.
More thoughts and discussions to come. Just give me time.
- Tony
It's been quite an absence. I had this and my podcast up until around the start of 2017, but then a baby, admin class, applications and eventually getting a new job as a vice principal at a middle school has kept me from updating.
Some obvious observations:
- Whereas before I was able to know about politics, but ignore it when I wanted, I am thrust into the full game of politics and ignorance can lead to me losing a job.
- It is odd not being 100% immediately embraced by new staff (like new teachers generally are).
- Difficult conversations are difficult.
- Communication is something everyone appreciates.
- Fighting to find the positive is absolutely necessary as a vice principal, lest you be overwhelmed by the negative.
More thoughts and discussions to come. Just give me time.
- Tony
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