Restorative Ways of Being to Embody What Is Possible: A Guide for Restorative Leaders
Educators and leaders looking to embrace restorative practices in educational settings must navigate countless decisions without simple or easily identifiable answers, and they must do so in a context that tends to be at odds with restorative values and principles. To help restorative practitioners navigate such challenging complexity, this guide frames restorative practices not as a program but as a paradigm, supporting a shift from asking “What is the right answer?” to instead asking “What are the steps I will try first?” and “How can I center my own and others’ humanity as I decide what to try?”
The guide offers insights into adopting a restorative paradigm by exploring five restorative ways of being that can guide decision-making in difficult situations: looking within oneself, getting to the root causes of incidents, holding complexity rather than seeking simple solutions, keeping dignity intact, and staying proximate to those most affected.
After the five ways of being are described, four fictional scenarios highlight common implementation challenges for restorative practitioners. Each scenario is followed by reflective questions that encourage readers to engage with the restorative ways of being in ways that can inform day-to-day decision-making and interactions. The guide also provides protocols to support implementation.