Restoring Teaching: How Working Restoratively Unleashes the Teacher and School Leader Within You

by Adam Voigt

Reviews

[Sue Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book because the school I am currently working at has decided to join the Real Schools program. To say I am disappointed is an understatement. The book is full of badly written, trite platitudes and generalisations. The examples are naturally expressed to place Voigt in a good light, as the saviour of all teachers and students. He advocates both consistency and changing/bending rules depending on circumstances. Processes, outcomes and consequences all become melded together into a script of feel good statements. He finally lost me on page152 when he said he “was just so good at it”. ( giving spiels )
I will, of course, do my best with this initiative at my school, but will be closely checking his reference list for added insight - those that are relevant and recent at least. I am also on the hunt for secondary schools that have successfully implemented his ideas.

[Andopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some powerful ideas in this guide to implementing restorative practice in a school and classroom. I already know a bit about how culture and language drives values and behaviour, but picked up some valuable insights on how to make it happen.

The section on regenerative shame was an eye-opener - it's a topic that many avoid due to perceived negativity.

The final chapter really turned this into 5 stars though - if you ever reach a point where you question your place in the profession, this will jolt you back.

This book is also written in a way that is accessible to parents. Teachers and school leaders are the main audience, but being on top of this stuff as a parent would be one of the best things you can do for your child

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for all teachers.
This is the way we must go as a profession....restorative 100%