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Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices: Building a Culture of Equity, Connection, and Healing
In this book, Marisol Rerucha draws on Indigenous traditions, research-based frameworks, and the support of fellow educators and scholars in order to offer teachers and administrators vital tools for facing crises with compassion. In addition to Rerucha’s revolutionary vision of education that is holistic, human centered, and brought to life through actionable and accessible techniques, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices features contributions from Pedro Terrazas, on restorative practices in the classroom; Dr. Enjolie Lourdes Lafaurie, on active listening for educators; and Dr. Carolyn Gery on understanding how trauma impacts relationships. Both empowering and urgently necessary, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices can help you to build an organization-wide culture of healing and well-being from the ground up.
Endorsements “In this current era of racial reckoning in America, this work should be required reading for all who teach or plan to enter the teaching profession.”—Nehemiah D. Frank, founder and editor in chief of the Black Wall Street Times
“Rerucha and her colleagues provide guidance for implementing this work with integrity and in alignment with the Indigenous traditions on which restorative practices are based. Their advice is simultaneously holistic and pragmatic.”—John Krownapple, educator, consultant, and coauthor of Belonging through a Culture of The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation
“Marisol Rerucha masterfully weaves her personal journey with concrete strategies for implementing restorative practices in the classroom, school, or organization of any type… Rerucha challenges us to join her circle and then teaches us how to use authentic and sustainable practices that build durable change in our own communities.”—Gini Pupo-Walker, state director for the Education Trust in Tennessee and school board member, Metro Nashville Public Schools
Endorsements “In this current era of racial reckoning in America, this work should be required reading for all who teach or plan to enter the teaching profession.”—Nehemiah D. Frank, founder and editor in chief of the Black Wall Street Times
“Rerucha and her colleagues provide guidance for implementing this work with integrity and in alignment with the Indigenous traditions on which restorative practices are based. Their advice is simultaneously holistic and pragmatic.”—John Krownapple, educator, consultant, and coauthor of Belonging through a Culture of The Keys to Successful Equity Implementation
“Marisol Rerucha masterfully weaves her personal journey with concrete strategies for implementing restorative practices in the classroom, school, or organization of any type… Rerucha challenges us to join her circle and then teaches us how to use authentic and sustainable practices that build durable change in our own communities.”—Gini Pupo-Walker, state director for the Education Trust in Tennessee and school board member, Metro Nashville Public Schools
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2021
33 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 24, 2024
I want everyone to read this book! Leaders, teachers, students, parents, everyone.
I met the author at a recent conference, and her publisher handed me a copy of the book. As schools are diving into restorative practices as a way of resolving discipline issues, Rerucha and her contributors argue that this will be ineffective. Restorative practices work when they are embraced by the entire organization, at all levels, among students and staff and families and community partners. This book gave me a lot of food for thought and I have a solid foundation for how I'll be running meetings from now on, with our district/county leadership team, with my direct reports, and professional development sessions with all staff members.
I met the author at a recent conference, and her publisher handed me a copy of the book. As schools are diving into restorative practices as a way of resolving discipline issues, Rerucha and her contributors argue that this will be ineffective. Restorative practices work when they are embraced by the entire organization, at all levels, among students and staff and families and community partners. This book gave me a lot of food for thought and I have a solid foundation for how I'll be running meetings from now on, with our district/county leadership team, with my direct reports, and professional development sessions with all staff members.
November 23, 2023
More like 2.5 stars. I wanted to like this more, but overall the presentation was disjointed. I understand the desire to put together a resource that can be used at all levels of educational organization, but in doing so there weren't very many practical tips for any of the levels. The "why" of doing this work was woven throughout, which I appreciate. The book ended on the importance of leadership and what negative leadership might look like. It then abruptly moved into the resources with no conclusion paragraph or chapter.
April 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was different from anything I had read before, and gave me a new perspective on several topics. The book also provided me with several resources and ideas that have already served a purpose. There were several key takeaways that made so much sense and brought me clarity. I am grateful for the author’s heartfelt message. It’s a great read for educators and parents.
August 25, 2023
Amazing book! Got to meet the author and was blown away!
July 1, 2022
The focus is on introducing schools to a restorative philosophy and developing practices such as circles, mediation, and active listening among educators. The author presents the restorative ideas with passion, but the practical classroom tips are few and far between. If you are new to restorative practices and have the support of your whole school, this might be a good place to begin. The book is, at times, repetitious, and it makes some sweeping generalizations, but overall, the restorative message comes through.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews