Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator - by Joe Brummer & Margaret Thorsborne (Paperback)

About the Book

The ultimate guide to becoming a trauma-informed restorative practitioner. Whether or not you're familiar with the ideas behind trauma-informed education, this book will help you put into action all of the principles of restorative practice with easy-to-implement guidance, and reflective exercises.

Book Synopsis

Maybe you have heard the terms 'trauma-informed' and 'restorative' - but how do you go about becoming a trauma-informed, restorative educator?

This practical book outlines the values, ideas and neuroscience behind trauma-informed restorative practice and its proven effectiveness. It clearly explains key theories relating to shame, trauma and your autonomic nervous system, and explains how to apply this knowledge in practice. Examples and stories of restorative practice feature throughout to inspire and emulate, as do practical protocols, tools and systems to develop your skills as a trauma-informed educator. Critically, it also explains the personal and professional qualities you need to nurture to truly engage in trauma-informed, restorative practice, with reflection points to aid learning and self-development.

Read this book and take your first steps to creating a trauma-informed, restorative classroom - even if your school isn't doing it!

Review Quotes

Restorative practice is an evolving social science and this book drives forward the narrative of restorative practice experienced through the lens of trauma and stress on the lives of children and adults.
The Contents page reads like the menu in my favourite restaurant. And I've dipped back in for repeat tastings of many chapters!

I unreservedly recommend this book to every educator, in fact anyone who engages professionally with children and young people. I'd also strongly recommend the book to any parent or carer who really wants to find the best ways of thinking, doing and being with every child.

--Lesley Parkinson, author 'Restorative Practice at Work'

A brave and incisive book, compiling the most recent understanding of the brain and trauma into practical guidance for educators. The explanation of restorative processes underscores the importance of being trauma-informed and restorative, for the sake of us all.--Nancy Riestenberg, Author of Circle in the Square: Building Community and Repairing Harm in School

This book is a critical call to action for educators. It's time to move beyond rewards and punishment and embrace a trauma-informed, neuroscience-aligned approach to creating a better world for all of us.--Guy Stephens, Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint

Wow! This book is a rich tapestry of theory & neuroscience, illustrated in accessible ways; a practical guidance to implement such learnings in the classroom and beyond; and most importantly it cultivates the relational thinking and motivation needed to engage whole-heartedly with this trauma-informed restorative work! It's a gift for all those working in education, lighting the way for meaningful connection with the self and others. Thank you Joe & Marg - what a dream team you are!--Michelle Stowe, (Teacher at heart), Founder & Director of Connect RP

The neurodevelopmental basis for behaviour, the impact of trauma and it's accomplice shame, and the restorative approach are integrated into a practical and applicable framework and guide for the creation of healthy classrooms where children can thrive.--Rick Kelly, M.Sc. in Restorative Practices, Executive Director, Just Us: A Centre for Restorative Practices

What a great book! It really confirmed the work and direction we have taken with our schools and staff in Wethersfield, while allowing me to reflect on next steps and big shifts in culture that are occurring! I can only imagine the work you have put into this book to capture all the nuances, references and latest research!!! Lots to be proud of!--Sally Dastoli, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Instruction, Wethersfield Public Schools

A richly resourced gift to our children and ourselves. A call to action for parents, teachers, and professors, to administrators and government. The trauma informed framework integrates ground-breaking insights from neuroscience to social justice. Read it. Gift it.--Dr Brenda Morrison, Director, Research and Engagement Centre for Restorative Justice, Simon Fraser University, Canada

This book is exactly what is needed and what has been missing for educators. It's approachable and comprehensive and a must-read for anyone in the education field.--Ginger Healy, Program Director, Attachment & Trauma Network

About the Author

Joe Brummer is a trauma-survivor having lived through early exposure to violence, child abuse and neglect, and 2 separate violent anti-LGBTQ hate crimes a decade apart. Joe has turned his healing journey into a career in peacebuilding, restorative justice, and consulting in trauma-informed education. He has worked with schools, NGOs and organizations sharing nonviolent communication, implementing peer mediation programs and school-wide restorative practices. Joe now works as an independent consultant to schools and school districts developing trauma-informed approaches to restorative practice in multiple locations throughout the United States.

Margaret Thorsborne a consultant with a background in teaching and counselling, is an author, trainer and facilitator and a pioneer and expert of restorative practice and its implementation in educational and workplace settings. She is a founding director and current Chair of Restorative Practices International (RPI) and travels and trains around the world Margaret has been awarded an Order of Australia medal for her services to education, and a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) in USA.