Peer and Adult Led Mediation for Students

This training will focus on peer mediation and delve into both the theory and practices of Restorative Justice and conflict resolution education. Beginning with the theory of restorative justice, participants gain an understanding of the difference between restorative and punitive approaches, the large-scale impact of restorative justice, and the role of relational approaches in buying back classroom time. Participants will then learn how to create and implement their own peer mediation programs in their schools.

Peer mediation affords students a private confidential setting to resolve their conflict, led by a trained peer. For participants, it reduces removals from classrooms for behavioral citations, physical aggression and altercations (before and after mediation), suspensions, and expulsions, while improving communication skills and academic performance. For mediators, it creates greater empathy for others and increased connection to school; improves academic performance; contributes to a more peaceful home life; and increases social and emotional competency. Teachers report that strong peer mediation programs increase their trust in the administration, students, and parents, and contribute to an overall positive school climate.

The WJC will focus this training on student-led mediation and teacher-led mediation for students. This will be practice-based and give everyone the tools to be able to experience mediation in whatever setting they see fit. Our goal at the WJC is to equip the whole school community with this practice so that individuals can start engaging in new forms of dialogue and feel empowered when conflict arises.

Circles Track

This training focuses on circle practice and delves into both the theory and practices of Restorative Justice and conflict resolution education. Beginning with the theory of restorative justice, participants gain an understanding of the difference between restorative and punitive approaches, the large-scale impact of restorative justice, and the role of relational approaches in buying back classroom time. Participants will then learn how to create and implement their classroom circles.

Circle practice is rooted in indigenous practices that our ancestors have been using for millennia. Circles are a way of being in a community with one another where relationships and dialogue are at the center. This practice gives a different flow to the conversation and allows everyone the opportunity to face one another and create space for people who are typically unseen and unheard. Circles are a space for social-emotional engagement as well as instructional learning. Whether a student is leading a circle regarding uniforms on campus or a science teacher is conducting an instructional circle to focus on climate change, we have seen the impact of restructuring dialogue in this manner and the major impact it has on the school environment.

The WJC will focus this training on the origins of circle practice and different manners to use circles in the classroom and all different forms of gatherings. This training will be practice-based and give everyone the tools to be able to conduct circles in whatever setting they see fit. Our goal at the WJC is to equip the whole school community with this practice so that individuals can start engaging in new forms of dialogue and feel empowered when conflict arises.

Participating Schools