Restorative Circle Practices
in Mindful Education
with Kay Pranis and Barbra Lewis Green
Online Workshop: Sunday, November 3, 2019 @ 10:00am-11:30am PT
Our 90-minute workshop format is designed to give educators access to experts, take a deeper dive into leading-edge topics in Mindfulness in Education, and provide high-impact learning and practice experiences. Join us!
About This Workshop
On November 3, join this workshop designed for K-12 educators to learn the best practices and processes of Restorative Circle Practices, a mindfulness-based community building and conflict resolution model. Schools that implement Restorative Circle Practices have reported decreases in disciplinary issues (including a decline in suspensions) and stronger, positive relationships among students and staff. By creating “safe and brave spaces” and promoting mindful communication during times of both peace and conflict, schools can cultivate greater wellness and stronger community connections.
A positive school climate offers a sense of belonging, safety and limitless possibilities. Climates like these are built upon strong relationships and a connected community. Climates like these have the ability to transform conflict into learning, healing, and growth. Climates like these enable students, teachers, and staff to be healthy and thrive.
Restorative Circle Practices, in combination with Mindfulness Practices, cultivate positive school climates. The practices and processes move away from shame and punitive structures that prove to be less effective and even harmful to the school community. Instead, Restorative Circle Practices build greater connection, accountability, and empowerment. These practices build relationships and navigate challenges with mindful communication and a circle process. Schools who implement Restorative Practices have reported less disciplinary issues (including a decline in suspensions) and stronger, positive relationships among students and staff. Mindfulness practices are a critical element of Restorative Practices – especially for the facilitators to implement into their own personal practice to help in: developing the heart to counter our implicit bias, and cultivating a grounded, authentic presence in order to lead an effective restorative circle process.
Join this 90-minute interactive workshop, presented by Kay Pranis, author and longtime Restorative and Circle Process Teacher, and Barbra Lewis Green, Mindfulness and Restorative Practices Facilitator in Maryland Schools. Learn the foundational elements of mindfulness-based Restorative Circle Practices and Processes and the impact these practices have had in creating greater wellness in schools. Access strategies for how to begin and develop Restorative Circle Practices in your environment and how to navigate common challenges in establishing this peacebuilding framework in traditional educational spaces.
In this workshop, you will learn:
- How restorative circle practices support learning and community in the classroom
- The relationship between mindfulness and restorative practices, and how to support the integration within a classroom or school community
- Strategies and steps to begin implementing Restorative Practices in your educational work
- Facilitation practices that support the role of the “circle keeper” to create “safe and brave” spaces
Following this workshop, you will receive:
- A recording of the workshop
- A workshop kit with summarized key points, practices to try, and further resources
Meet Our Presenters:
Kay Pranis teaches and writes about the dialog process known as ‘Peacemaking Circles.’ Kay learned about Peacemaking Circles in her work in restorative justice in the mid-90s. From 1994 – 2003 Kay held the position of Restorative Justice Planner at the MN Department of Corrections, the first state government position in the US related directly to the framework of restorative justice. Since that initial exposure to the use of Peacemaking Circles in the justice system, Kay has been involved in developing the use of Peacemaking Circles in schools, social services, churches, families, neighborhoods, museums, universities, municipal planning, and workplaces.
Kay has authored or co-authored several books about Circles: Peacemaking Circles – From Conflict to Community; The Little Book of Circle Processes – A New/Old Approach to Peacemaking; Doing Democracy with Circles – Engaging Communities in Public Planning; Heart of Hope – A Guide for Using Peacemaking Circles to Develop Emotional Literacy, Promote Healing & Build Healthy Relationships; Circle Forward – Building a Restorative School Community.
Barbra Lewis Green teaches mindfulness to K-12 youth, works as a Mindfulness & Restorative Practices Consultant, serves as a mediator with the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County, MD, and apprentices with Kay Pranis as a Peacekeeping Circle Facilitator. She is a graduate of the Mindful Schools’ Mindful Teacher Certification Program. As a certified yoga teacher and avid 5Rhythms dancer, Barbra weaves in movement practices to enhance mind-body awareness. Her work aims to promote self-care, resilience, compassion, potential, and well-being. Barbra is passionate about creating brave spaces that invite meaningful connections and nurture healthy communities.
Workshop Registration
This workshop is offered on a sliding scale basis in an effort to create access for as many educators as possible. The standard registration for this workshop is $49 per attendee. Register here.
Workshop FAQs
How do I join the LIVE event? When you register, you will receive call-in instructions to join the video conference call.
What if I can’t make the LIVE event? If you’re unable to attend the live event, you may still register to access the recording and resources 2 days after the event.
Can I receive professional credits? Educators can qualify for 1 graduate-level credit for educators. In order to apply, you must log an additional 14 hours of work relevant to this topic and submit to our crediting vendor, Courses 4 Teachers. More information about this process can be found here.
Cancellations and Refunds
- In order to receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled event. Refunds will not be granted after this time.
- If you need to cancel and request a refund, please contact support@mindfulschools.org.
- If you have paid for the event and were unable to attend the live workshop, you will receive access to the recording as well as any supporting resources.
This online event is presented by Mindful Schools as a part of an ongoing Workshop Series
About the Mindful Schools Workshop Series
Mindfulness practice is both a wide and deep path–the current field of secular mindfulness continues to grow and diversify in practice guidance and teaching innovations and in our understanding of research. The Mindful Schools Workshop Series provides you with an opportunity to take a deep dive into a variety of topics delivered by experts, giving you access to the leading edge of what is relevant in the field and allowing you expand your mindfulness practice and teaching.
These 90 minute sessions will equip participants with tools they can immediately implement in their personal and professional lives. Sessions will include a talk, practices, Q&A with the presenter, and a live chat with fellow participants. Followup resources will be provided with a link to the recording, summarized key points, practices to try, and further resources to continue your journey. Access our past workshops here.
Who is this for?
The Mindful Schools community includes educators, counselors, parents, and a wide range of school community members who are excited to share mindfulness with students.
Our Workshop Series is appropriate for all levels of experience. We strongly encourage completing our Mindfulness Fundamentals course so you may participate in workshops with a shared understanding of the Mindful Schools practice framework of secular mindfulness. Educators and MHPs may receive credits for the Mindfulness Fundamentals course.