2026 NEASC Leadership Conference

School leaders will be challenged to view restorative justice not as a disciplinary add-on, but as a whole-school framework that builds the human infrastructure for high-quality learning. Drawing on experience as Head of Student Wellbeing and Restorative Justice, I will explore the gap between restorative intent and impact—what it looks like in practice and why it persists, even in values-driven schools.

Participants will examine how restorative systems, when aligned with school culture and core values, become measurable drivers of belonging, safety, and engagement. Activities include an “intent to impact” reflection, case study analysis in groups, and discussion of common challenges. A student testimony provides an unfiltered perspective on impact. Participants leave with an audit framework and leadership questions to support equitable, lasting restorative outcomes.