Today’s school districts face various challenges, such as teacher shortages, shrinking budgets, and increasing paperwork. To effectively address these issues, administrators and teachers must follow the federal and state standards, maintain positive relationships with their students, and take a more restorative approach to discipline.

Although restorative practices may not be considered a standard practice, they can have a profound effect on a school’s community. They help reduce negative behaviors and promote a more positive learning environment.

We at SMES believe that the key to effective professional development is equipping teachers with the necessary tools and resources to make informed decisions when it comes to participating in it. These include the establishment of active learning, support collaboration, and expert advice. Having these three traits will allow teachers to positively respond to the new ideas and concepts that they encounter during their sessions.