Beyond the Classroom: Extending Restorative Practice to All Staff | Restorative Pathways

When most people think of restorative practice in schools, they imagine students sitting in a circle, talking about conflicts, repairing harm, and finding ways to move forward. And while that’s certainly a powerful aspect, restorative practice was never meant to be just about students or student behaviour. At its core, restorative practice is about relationships, community, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and connected. This goes beyond students—it includes staff members, too.

For school staff, who work tirelessly to support students and each other, the principles of restorative practice can offer a much-needed foundation of connection, communication, and wellbeing. Here, we’ll explore how restorative practice benefits school staff by providing tools for effective communication, supporting relationship-building, and creating a supportive framework for professional growth. Ultimately, restorative practices offer staff a way to engage with one another that’s rooted in empathy, accountability, and mutual respect—values that are essential for a thriving school community.

Building Relationships: The Heart of Staff Well-Being

The work of a school staff member, whether they’re a teacher, leader, administrator, or support staff, is filled with the challenges of meeting diverse student needs, maintaining academic standards, and managing day-to-day tasks that keep the school running. In such a demanding environment, it’s easy for staff relationships to take a back seat. However, restorative practice reminds us that taking time to build relationships isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for wellbeing and effectiveness.

When staff members feel connected to one another, they’re more resilient, less likely to experience burnout, and better able to support their students. Staff who trust each other work together more smoothly and communicate openly, leading to fewer misunderstandings and conflicts. This sense of connection also contributes to a positive school culture, where everyone feels they’re working toward shared goals.

In Real Life

Schools hold regular “check-in circles” for staff. In these sessions, each team member has a chance to share how they’re feeling, discuss any challenges, or simply connect with colleagues. These circles don’t need to be long—even a few minutes to check in can make a difference. By opening space for honest conversation, schools create a culture where staff members feel cared for and understood, reinforcing the idea that they’re part of a larger, supportive community.

Communication Frameworks for Staff: Navigating Conversations with Care and Clarity

Effective communication is essential for any team, especially one as dynamic and diverse as a school staff. Yet, it’s often challenging to maintain open, honest communication under pressure. Restorative practice provides frameworks that empower staff to communicate effectively, engage in difficult conversations, and deliver constructive feedback with care and respect.

Using tools such as restorative conversation guides or structured dialogue templates, staff can navigate conversations with a focus on understanding and empathy. For instance, if a staff member needs to address a colleague’s behaviour that’s affecting the team, they can use a compassionate communication framework to express their perspective without casting blame. This approach, which emphasizes “I” statements and focuses on the impact of actions and what is valued, allows for a constructive conversation rather than a defensive one.

In Real Life

“Maz, when you speak over others during the faculty meeting, I feel frustrated because we value respectful communication. Would you be able to wait until others have finished before you begin?”

Schools that implement regular feedback and debriefing conversations have found that these restorative practices help keep discussions focused, respectful, and solutions oriented. Imagine a scenario where two staff members disagree about a new policy. Instead of letting resentment fester, they can engage in a restorative conversation to air their perspectives, find common ground, and agree on a path forward. Over time, staff become more comfortable with these frameworks, and challenging conversations become less daunting because they know they’re supported by a structured, fair process.

Dismantling Hierarchies with Restorative Circle Work: Amplifying Staff Voice and Agency

In many schools, hierarchies—whether real or perceived—can create barriers to open communication and collaboration. Teachers may feel uncomfortable voicing concerns to administrators, or newer staff may hesitate to share ideas. Restorative practice offers a way to dismantle these hierarchies by frequently bringing staff together in circles where everyone’s voice has equal weight.

In a circle, there’s no “head of the table,” so to speak. Instead, everyone sits in a literal or figurative circle, with each person’s perspective valued equally. This format allows for candid discussion and gives all staff a chance to share their experiences and insights. Schools that use circle work in staff meetings report increased engagement, a greater sense of belonging, and a stronger sense of shared purpose.

In Real Life

Schools can incorporate regular “collaboration circles” into their routine, where staff could voice ideas, concerns, and initiatives for the school community. Staff might want to problem solve student organisation and tardiness or workload during report season. Because the circle format allows for structured, open discussion without hierarchy, every voice and every idea is given a platform. This example underscores how circle work can empower staff by giving them the agency to contribute and shape what matters most to them.

Schools are also implementing “restorative check-ins” after major school events or challenging weeks. These sessions allow staff to process any stress or frustration together, rather than letting it build up. Staff report feeling more supported and better able to manage the demands of their roles. They also appreciated the chance to decompress and debrief with colleagues, knowing they were part of a team that cared about their wellbeing.

Accountability and Growth: Restorative Conversations for Professional Development

In a collaborative workplace, mistakes and misunderstandings are inevitable. But what happens when a staff member’s actions negatively impact others? Traditional approaches might focus on reprimanding or ignoring the issue, but restorative practice offers a more constructive path—one that leads to awareness, growth, and, ultimately, a stronger community.

Restorative accountability conversations provide staff members with an opportunity to acknowledge mistakes, understand their impact, and work collaboratively on a plan to repair any harm done. These conversations can be challenging but are invaluable for fostering professional growth and maintaining healthy collegial relationships. By engaging in a structured, supportive conversation, staff are encouraged to reflect on their actions and consider how they might approach similar situations differently in the future.

In Real Life

Imagine a situation where a teacher’s comment in a staff meeting inadvertently offended a colleague. Instead of a formal reprimand, or letting things fester passively, a restorative culture paves the way for a conversation – allowing both parties to discuss the impact of the comment, express their perspectives, and, if needed, offer an apology. This process not only addresses the immediate issue but also provides a model for handling future conflicts constructively, reinforcing a culture of respect and understanding.

The Power of Community and Connection

Restorative practice is a powerful tool for building and maintaining a supportive, resilient school community, and this includes the staff who make that community possible. By fostering strong relationships, creating effective communication frameworks, and encouraging accountability, restorative practices help schools become places where everyone—staff and students alike—can thrive.

When staff members feel connected, supported, and empowered, they’re not only better able to support their students but also to sustain themselves in this uniquely challenging and rewarding work. Restorative practices give schools the tools to create a culture where everyone feels valued and heard—a true community in which every voice matters. And isn’t that the best lesson of all?