Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator: Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behavior

Maybe you have heard the terms ’trauma-informed’ and ’restorative’ - but how do you go about becoming a trauma-informed, restorative educator?

This practical book outlines the values, ideas and neuroscience behind trauma-informed restorative practice and its proven effectiveness. It clearly explains key theories relating to shame, trauma and your autonomic nervous system, and explains how to apply this knowledge in practice. Examples and stories of restorative practice feature throughout to inspire and emulate, as do practical protocols, tools and systems to develop your skills as a trauma-informed educator. Critically, it also explains the personal and professional qualities you need to nurture to truly engage in trauma-informed, restorative practice, with reflection points to aid learning and self-development.

Read this book and take your first steps to creating a trauma-informed, restorative classroom - even if your school isn’t doing it!

Joe Brummer has been the victim of two separate violent anti-gay related hate crimes and what began as a personal healing response to the trauma he has transformed into professional involvement in the field of community and restorative justice. He has worked with schools, NGOs and organizations sharing nonviolent communication, implementing peer mediation programs and school-wide restorative practices. Joe now works as an independent consultant to schools and school districts developing trauma-informed approaches to restorative practice in multiple locations throughout the United States.

Margaret Thorsborne is a consultant with a background in teaching and counselling, is a pioneer and expert of restorative practice in educational and other workplace settings. She is a founding Director and current Chair of Restorative Practices International (RPI) and travels and trains around the world. Margaret has been awarded an Order of Australia medal for her services to education both locally and internationally.