Brian's Blog

As educators, we constantly seek methods to cultivate environments where students feel valued, respected, and supported. Over the years, restorative justice has emerged as an approach that addresses disciplinary issues and promotes a culture of care, empathy, and mutual respect. This article reflects on my experiences with restorative justice in education, highlighting its strengths, benefits, and connections to positive behaviour theories such as positive behaviour in schools (PBIS). I'll discuss the role of traditional disciplinary measures, like time-out, detention, and suspension, within a restorative framework. However, my stance is that these should be employed as a final option when there is no room for relationship coaching or the other strategies prove unsuccessful in achieving positive behavioural outcomes. I am going to preface this article and state that it is informed by my Christian perspective. I am committed to fostering a learning environment where students are enc...

The journey of an educator is a path paved with a deep commitment to nurturing a love of learning in students. This dedication often begins with a spark of passion, a desire to inspire and make a difference in young minds. However, as the demands of the profession grow, the initial enthusiasm can be overshadowed by the relentless cycle of lesson planning, grading, and standardised assessments. The weight of these responsibilities can leave educators feeling as though they are in a perpetual state of winter, where the warmth and vibrancy of their original motivation seem distant and unattainable. The rigidity of curriculum mandates and legislative requirements can create an environment where creativity is stifled. Educators may feel boxed in by prescriptive guidelines that leave little room for innovation or personalised teaching methods. This sense of confinement can be incredibly disheartening, turning what was once a dynamic and rewarding profession into a series of monotonous tasks....

The education sector thrives on passionate leaders, but for introverts, navigating this world can feel like venturing outside their comfort zone. Society often glorifies extroversion, but introverts bring a valuable perspective and skillset to educational leadership. In this article, I explore and reflect on how introverts can leverage their strengths to become exceptional educational leaders. I have primarily relied on older articles for my research, which is not my usual approach. Nonetheless, delving into the wisdom of the past has been a fascinating endeavour, even in today's modern world. To begin this article, speaking as someone who identifies strongly with introverted leadership traits, I must admit that expressing these thoughts feels vulnerable and somewhat daunting. It's akin to unveiling a part of my authentic self, which can be both revealing and demanding. Quiet Strength Introverts are natural listeners and observers (Grant, 2013). They excel at taking in informat...

Exploring and crafting a rich and engaging curriculum is more than ticking off boxes and working through guidelines; it is a dedicated effort to comprehend the intricacies of what our students need to know, understand, and do along with how they learn and how best to facilitate this. By immersing ourselves in the curriculum, we are better equipped to guide our students through a well-structured educational experience, ensuring they meet academic expectations and develop the essential skills and critical knowledge necessary for their future pursuits (Boyle, 2008) . As this post is being written, those who follow the Christian calendar are in the middle of Lent leading into a time of remembrance and celebration over Easter. Lent calls us to navigate the delicate balance between self-discipline and self-care, encouraging us to seek harmony between sacrifice and sustenance, between growth and personal wellbeing (Murray, 2015) . As we explore the multifaceted challenges of nurturing success...