The Book

Building a Trauma-informed Restorative School

Skills and approaches for improving culture and behavior

by joe brummer with margaret thorsborne

Foreward by Judy Atkinson

Covering both theory and practice, this book will teach educators everything they need to know about developing restorative practices in their education settings, in a way that is also trauma-informed. It was Jessica Kingsley Publishers #1 selling title for 2022.

The first part of the book addresses the theory and philosophy of restorative approaches, and of trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive schools. The second part outlines the five restorative skills (mindfulness, honest expression, empathy, the art of asking questions and the art of requests), what they look like in practice (including using circles, respect agreements and restorative dialogue), and how to implement them. Every strategy is clearly explained and adapted to be appropriate for children and adults who have experienced trauma.

Everything the book discusses has been especially designed to be adapted for different school settings and their particular challenges.

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Book Reviews

I am grateful for all the gems this book offers. The insights and practical supports that Joe shares light the way towards connection and growth – cultivating relational learning communities which is what our schools, and perhaps our lovely world, need now more than ever!

Michelle Stowe

Director of Connect RP

This book is a MUST READ for all educators. The combination of practical and applicable practices grounded in research is what is needed to move forward in becoming a restorative and trauma-informed school!

Matthew Portell

Principal of Fall Hamilton Elementary School and Founder of the Trauma-informed Educators Network

A uniquely rich, thought-provoking, and accessible resource. He brings a personal and authentic vulnerability, along with a wealth of knowledge and experience to school practices that remain more critical than ever before. I found myself making more personal notes while reading than almost any other book I’ve read in years.

Eric Rossen, PhD, NCSP

Director, Professional Development and Standards, National Association of School Psychologists

Brummer gives educators a large toolbox from which to draw numerous practices that build positive relationships and create emotionally safe classrooms. If this book doesn’t change educators’ mindsets about how to best support struggling students, I don’t know what will.

Martha A. Brown

Author, Creating Restorative Schools: Setting Schools Up to Succeed

This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone serving children in an education institution. Thank you, Joe, for your courage, your vulnerability, and your deep knowledge of students.

Melissa Sadin, EdD., MEd., MAT

Ducks & Lions: Trauma Sensitive Resources www.traumasensitive.com

This book goes beyond a process for restorative justice and teaches you how to create safe spaces for every learner. Any educator looking for a comprehensive system to meet the unique needs of their school should begin with this book.

Shatanna DeRosie

Assistant Principal, Windsor High School

This book is coming out at the perfect time. The world is beginning to understand what is needed to help our students and schools heal. It is an easy to ready guide- explaining the why and then giving the reader the skills to do the what.

Dennis Littky

Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Met School, Co-Founder of Big Picture Learning and Founder and President of College Unbound

Learn more about Joe's consulting work

Trauma-informed Restorative Justice

Joe is well trained and experienced in Trauma-informed Restorative Practices/Justice (RJ), an innovative approach that moves away from punitive measures and towards approaches that focus on healing, accountability, and change. He has experience facilitating community conferences, restorative circles, victim/offender dialogues in the community and school setting. Joe provides professional development in the area of RJ for educators, youth organizations, and workplaces.