Welcome to Restorative Justice Education!
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We are a community of educators, superintendents, school administrators, professors, researchers, school psychologists, social workers, consultants, and community organizers who are passionate about creating a Culture of Care in our communities! Restorative Justice Education implements researched and evidence-based trainings borne of indigenous roots to create a Culture of Care in our schools, at home, and among our various communities.
Through our series of virtual and in-person trainings, RJEd Facilitators teach the critical values of Restorative Justice principles and practices & culturally appropriate relationships, and how to implement them in the classroom, within a school, across the school district, in school programs, in human services organizations & programs, and within the home setting. RJEd is grateful to partner with Colorado State University (CSU) to offer participants an unparalleled opportunity for advanced learning. Through this collaboration, eligible participants in our training programs can receive Master's Level credits, validating their commitment to professional development and providing a pathway for continued academic growth. This partnership underscores the rigor and academic excellence embedded within our training curriculum. |
What is a Culture of Care?
The 4 Pillars of a Culture of CareA Culture of Care in Schools is characterized by non-dominating relationships, where adults and children feel a sense of belonging and connectedness, have a culturally safe place for their voices to be heard, and are able to be self-determining.
Watch this video featuring Hinkley High School (our pilot school in Aurora, CO) to see how they have implemented a Culture of Care in their school. |
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A Glimpse Into a District Doing this Important Work...
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Thank you Wausau School District, WI, for your Commitment to Creating a Culture of Care!Explore the impact of the Intro to Culture of Care training attended by the amazing staff from Wausau School District Pupil Services! This training recap video created by the committed district team delves into the core principles of restorative justice as a robust framework for cultivating positive school environments and addressing harm. Staff members share their insights and practical applications for integrating these essential skills to promote healing, accountability, and strong relationships within our schools.
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The Culture of Care Training Curriculum and Applications
Core Curriculum: Restorative Justice Principles & Culturally Appropriate Relationships and Interactions
Our training curriculum delves deep into the critical values that underpin Restorative Justice and Culturally Appropriate Relationships and Interactions, emphasizing not only theoretical understanding but also practical application. Participants will learn:
Our training modules are thoughtfully created to address the unique needs and challenges of various environments, ensuring that participants can effectively apply Restorative Justice principles and practices and Culturally Appropriate Relationships and Interactions in their specific contexts:
Our training curriculum delves deep into the critical values that underpin Restorative Justice and Culturally Appropriate Relationships and Interactions, emphasizing not only theoretical understanding but also practical application. Participants will learn:
- The foundational principles of Restorative Justice: Moving beyond punitive approaches, our curriculum highlights the importance of building caring and authentic relationships, repairing harm, building the capacity for empathy, and fostering genuine responsibility.
- The art of developing culturally appropriate relationships: Our trainings provide insights and tools for building respectful and caring relationships across diverse backgrounds and cultural values.
- Practical implementation strategies: We move beyond theory to provide concrete, actionable steps for integrating Restorative Justice principles and practices and Culturally Appropriate Relationships and Interactions into various settings.
Our training modules are thoughtfully created to address the unique needs and challenges of various environments, ensuring that participants can effectively apply Restorative Justice principles and practices and Culturally Appropriate Relationships and Interactions in their specific contexts:
- In the Classroom: It's about doing school "with" students. Empowering educators with strategies for address and working through conflict, fostering positive learning communities, and building authentic student relationships.
- Within a School: Developing school-wide approaches - blending Restorative Justice principles and practices with current school initiatives and discipline processes, peer facilitation, and community building, promoting a culture of care, respect and a sense of connectedness and belonging.
- Across the School District: Implementing systemic changes to create district-wide Restorative Justice initiatives, fostering a consistent and equitable approach to student care and support.
- In School Programs: Integrating restorative practices into after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and special education services.
- In Human Services Organizations & Programs: Equipping social workers, counselors, and other human services professionals with tools for addressing and working through conflict, client engagement, and community building.
- Within the Home Setting: Providing parents and families with practical strategies for working through conflict, improving communication, establishing household norms and agreements, and fostering stronger family bonds.
Featured Trainings
Intro to Culture of Care
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Implementing a Culture of Care:
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Intro to Culture of Care:
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Research, Publications & News
Strengthening Relationships to Respond to Challenging Behaviors of Culturally Diverse Children in Schools in New Zealand and the United StatesWe are excited to announce that Dr. Tom Cavanagh's paper, "Strengthening Relationships to Respond to Challenging Behaviors of Culturally Diverse Children in Schools in New Zealand and the United States", has been accepted to present at the 2025 AERA (American Education Research Association) Annual Meeting to be held in Denver Colorado.
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Creating a Culture of Care in Schools: A Basic PrimerIn this book author Dr. Tom Cavanagh shares insights into the theories and thinking that are the foundation of his work. Dr. Cavanagh describes in some detail the ideas behind the Intro to Culture of Care training.
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January 2025 RJEd NewsletterWe invite you to read and explore what is going on in our world. We hope to bring you relevant content in the world of restorative principles and practices and periodically highlight events, people, schools, and research. We also want to connect you with other passionate educators that are committed to this important work; co-creating with you, a system of support and a community of practice!
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