“It Was the Glue I Needed” – How One Principal Integrated Restorative Practices and PBIS into a Schoolwide System
​After 28 years in education, including time as a classroom teacher and now principal of a Title I project-based learning school, I thought I had most of the tools I needed. I had been trained in PBIS. I’d also done restorative practices training. But they always felt like two separate tracks. When I heard about the Restorative PBIS Leadership Academy, I immediately thought, “That sounds like what I need.”
When I saw Laura’s introduction video, I thought, “Is she here? This is just for me.” I felt seen. Her language spoke directly to what I’d been struggling with.
Before joining the Academy, I was overwhelmed. Our office was inundated with student referrals. My teachers didn’t know how to implement Tier 1 supports effectively, and I was carrying it all on my shoulders. They weren’t pushing behavior off to the admin—they truly didn’t know what to do. And I realized I wasn’t helping them build capacity. I needed a better way to bring them along without saying, “When I was in the classroom…” because I’m not anymore—they are.
This program gave me the structure and systems to do that. And it validated a lot of what we were already doing. That was huge. One of the first practical shifts we made was adding a simple sign-in sheet in the office. That small change helped us track when students were coming in, why, and how we could intervene. It’s become an essential tool for our intervention team.
The Academy also shifted our mindset. Now, when students are sent to the office, they’re met with love. We’re not upset—they haven’t done anything to us. We welcome them, talk with them, and redirect in ways that build trust. My staff now knows that if they come to me with a concern, I’ll always ask, “What are they doing right? How are you reinforcing it?”That’s just our culture now.
One of the most powerful things I did was facilitate restorative circles with staff. Some teachers were struggling with a student, and they admitted they didn’t even like him. But through the circles, we were able to normalize that struggle and help them see their responsibility as the adult in the room. One teacher said, “You’ve all shown me that this is part of my journey.” That moment changed everything.
This Academy didn’t give me fluff. It gave me usable systems that aren’t bureaucratic—they’re meaningful. My teachers want to revisit the modules this year. My intervention team still uses the Tier 2/Tier 3 training. And I keep a binder with all the materials—yes, even in this digital world—because they’re that valuable.
If you’re a school leader looking for a way to truly integrate restorative practices and PBIS—and build systems that support your staff and students—this is it. It’s productive. It’s meaningful. And, honestly, it brought me joy.