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From Conflict to Connection: Restorative Practices in Schools

Where You Are | S6 E5 | April 30, 2025

How can schools create safe, supportive, and equitable environments for students? In this episode, we explore restorative practices in schools—an approach that focuses on building healthy relationships, building supportive and equitable school communities, repairing harm, and resolving conflict. Joined by Dr. Brenda Morrison (Simon Fraser University), Cory Hartling (Sea to Sky School District), and Jennifer Morgan (Coquitlam School District), we discuss:

  • what restorative practices are and what they can look like in schools
  • how restorative practices impact student mental health and well-being
  • helpful resources that school communities can use

     

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Episode Resources

  • Website: Peace of the Circle
  • Website: International Institute for Restorative Practices
  • Books:
    • Circle Forward by Carolyn Boyes-Watson and Kay Pranis
    • Circle in the Square by Nancy Riestenberg
    • The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Howard Zehr
    • The Little Book of Restorative Discipline for Schools by Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz and Judy H. Mullet
    • Restoring Safe School Communities by Nancy Riestenberg and Margaret Thorsborne
       

 

Guest Bios

Dr. Brenda Morrison
Associate Professor and Director

Dr. Brenda Morrison is an Associate Professor in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University and the Director of the Research and Engagement Centre for Restorative Justice. Her work in the field of restorative justice focuses on praxis within and between three institutional systems: justice, education and health. She is passionate about interdisciplinary work that develops critical and reflective praxis that frames problems of crime, public safety and justice in ways that re-imagine and transform individuals, communities and governance.

Cory Hartling
Educator, Administrator, and Circle Keeper

Cory Hartling is an educator, administrator, and circle keeper within the Sea to Sky School District. Since 2012, Cory has championed restorative approaches in education, playing a pivotal role in transitioning the district from restorative policies to fully integrated restorative practices. Passionate about the transformative power of circle processes, Cory leverages this approach across diverse educational settings, from curriculum design to addressing high-level conflicts. His commitment to fostering inclusive and collaborative environments has made him a leader in building community and resilience within schools.

Jennifer Morgan
Mentor Support Teacher

Jennifer Morgan has been an educator for 28 years in Coquitlam School District. She believes that being restorative starts with building community. Jennifer is a trainer in the IIRP (International Institute for Restorative Practices) curriculum; she facilitates learning for educators including youth workers, educational assistants, and teachers for how to implement restorative practices in their own contexts. She has been using circles in her classroom and work environment for over 25 years as a routine that helps bring community together. Jennifer has recently started a new role as a vice-principal in Coquitlam School District.

Where You Are | S6 E5 | April 30, 2025

From Conflict to Connection: Restorative Practices in Schools

How can schools create safe, supportive, and equitable environments for students? In this episode, we explore restorative practices in schools—an approach that focuses on building healthy relationships, building supportive and equitable school communities, repairing harm, and resolving conflict.
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