As school communities navigate conflict, discipline and relationship-building, restorative practices provide a powerful framework for fostering connection, accountability and repair. This session will explore how one district has implemented restorative practices through in-district training of trainers, faculty meetings, professional learning communities and new staff academies. Participants will gain insight into the positive impacts of these efforts, including improved school climate, stronger staff-student relationships and a decrease in discipline incidents.

However, implementation does not come without challenges. This session will also address obstacles such as time constraints, competing priorities and resistance to shifting from punitive mindsets. Using the Law of Diffusion of Innovation, we will examine strategies to build buy-in and sustain momentum across different school contexts. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to foster a culture of restorative practice in their own districts, helping to create learning environments where conflict leads to growth, not division.