S TA R TI N G W I TH A PAU S E
dents became disruptive, earned his first “B”
in English, and eventually let me know that
I was the best teacher he had ever had. In
June he revealed this, “I left my last school
because I threw a desk. I did not know how
to deal with my anger. Thank you for help-
ing me with that and thank you for being
fair and caring so much.”
Today, as a consultant, I reflect back on that
relationship often. What did I do right? How
did this student come to feel like I cared so
much when I didn’t feel like I went out of
my way for my students like some teachers
did? My conclusion: the mindfulness and re-
storative practices I used in my classroom.l
Annie O’Shaughnessy is an educator and primary consultant for True Nature Teaching, serving
schools and teams looking to operate in a more holistically restorative way. Through implemen-
tation consultation, higher ed instruction, educator training, writing, and keynote speaking,
Annie supports schools in developing vital and inclusive learning communities where students
and educators grow and thrive. An avid hiker and obsessively curious human being, Annie can be
reached at [email protected]
Want more?
Join us for an online course with Annie O’Shaughnessy
A Restorative Approach to Discipline
Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6 & Feb. 13, 2020
6:30 - 8pm Eastern / 3:30 - 5pm Pacific
Schools across the country and world have implemented restorative practices (RP) as an
alternative to punitive and exclusionary discipline policies and as a way to improve cul-
ture and climate. In this interactive, online professional development series, educators will
receive an overview of RP—what it is, why it works, and what practices and processes are
involved. The sessions themselves will be facilitated using the restorative Circle model.
csee.org/event/restorative
CSEE Connections
Winter 2019
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