Teaching and Learning

Restorative Practices

Our Strategic Plan in Action

Glastonbury Public Schools uses restorative practices to build relationships and community. These practices help to prevent challenging behaviors and to repair relationships after harm. Restorative practices focus on understanding and solving problems with open communication, accountability, and mutual respect. 

This work is tied directly to GOAL 2 of our strategic plan:  Provide safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.  

Image with district logo in middle and a purple sweeping circle titled "Restorative Practices." Around the circle are the words Connecting, Building, Learning, Thriving.

How Do Restorative Practices Work?

We know “good teaching” is relationship-based. Strong relationships strengthen classroom and school communities.  Restorative practices prioritize the development of positive school and classroom climates as a preventative measure to challenging behaviors. The majority of restorative practices are proactive, aiming to foster strong, supportive relationships before conflict arises.

When conflicts or problems occur, restorative practices create opportunities for everyone involved to work together to resolve the issue. For example, this might involve:

Why Use Restorative Practices in Schools?

The Benefits for Parents and Students

photo of second grade students and teacher sitting on classroom rug with one student holding stuffed animal and speaking
photo from above of 6th grade students sitting in classroom chairs in a circle as one student speaks and others listen, some raising hands
photo of teacher and fifth grade students sitting on rug in a circle. Teacher holds stuffed animal and is speaking while students listen.

Human beings are happier, healthier, more cooperative and most likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them.


-- Ted Wachtel, Founder of the International Institute for Restorative Practices