Current Course Schedule

Restorative Practices in the Early Grades (Grades 1–3)

Restorative practices hold great promise for shifting the power balance, structures, and approach of traditional classroom and disciplinary practice. At their core, restorative practices are equitable and explicitly anti-racist. They incorporate themes of social-emotional learning, racial and cultural equity, and relationship- and trust-building to promote healthier classrooms and schools. Restorative practices encourage us to engage in self-reflection, to participate on the same level as our students, and to actively question some of the assumptions many of us may hold. In this course, we will explore the foundational philosophy and values of restorative practices, familiarizing ourselves with common themes and practices as we adopt a restorative and transformative lens. Together we will engage with practical applications of restorative practices in the elementary classroom, trying them out together and reflecting on our experiences.
Term(s) offered: Spring and Summer
Format: online *  Additional asynchronous work required
  • Course Number
    TEED658N
  • Focus On
    Grades K - 3
  • Category
    Childhood / Elementary School, Credit-bearing Courses, Online
  • Registration Options and Cost
    $425 12.0 CTLE or 1.2 CEU
    $1,868 1.0 Credits

Sections

Fall 2024

  • Section 1:
    Date(s)
    January 5 and 12 | Online
    Day and Time
    Sundays, 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM ET and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET
    Registration Deadline
    Dec 29, 2024
    Register
    • Ellen Ferrin
      Ellen Ferrin
      Ellen Ferrin, MSSW, is currently a Staff Developer at Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility where she facilitates trainings and coaches teachers in NYC public schools in restorative practices, racial equity, and social-emotional learning. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at Bank Street College, where she teaches Family, Child, and Teacher Interactions in Diverse and Inclusive Environments. Previously, she taught elementary school in integrated (ICT) settings at Bronx Community Charter School where she led the development of a touchstone 5th grade Civil Rights Era social studies curriculum. Ferrin earned an MSEd in Childhood general and Special Education from Bank Street College. She also holds an MSSW in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work. Her BA in Sociology and Black Studies is from Amherst College.
"This course has given me a new perspective in handling situations and problems solving in the classroom."

"The course gave me a better understanding of Restorative Circles and how to conduct them."

"I was delighted to see that much of what I already do seems well-linked to what Restorative Practices bring to community—I didn't realize that and it felt nice to see that what I do is rooted in
something bigger. Similarly, because I didn't know [this approach] I feel that I learned many ways to expand, deepen and reconsider what I do..."

"I had never heard of restorative practices before so you can imagine I have learned so much."

"After the last couple of years, it's nice to get a chance to check in with my values and my reasons for doing this work."