Restorative Practices in Schools: Building Community with Julia Getty & Beth Smull

Restorative Practices in Schools: Building Community with Julia Getty & Beth Smull What if the key to transforming school culture isn't a new discipline policy—but a fundamental shift in how we build and repair relationships? In this essential episode of The Dean's Roundtable, host Bridget Johnson sits down with Julia Getty and Beth Smull from the International Institute for Restorative Practices to explore how restorative approaches create school communities where everyone truly belongs. Moving beyond the misconception that restorative practices are only about conflict resolution, Beth and Julia reveal how proactive relationship-building, authentic listening, and the balance of accountability with support can revolutionize educational environments. They tackle real challenges facing student life professionals today, from navigating staff burnout and resistance to change, to creating space for adult relationships amid demanding school cultures, to implementing sustainable practices that honor both individual needs and community wellbeing. In this episode, you'll learn: How to reframe restorative practices from reactive discipline to proactive community building Why adult relationships and staff wellbeing are foundational to sustainable school culture change Practical implementation strategies including starting small, identifying allies, and building momentum gradually The transformative power of listening circles for creating authentic connection and shared understanding How to balance accountability and support in ways that repair harm while maintaining relationships Featured Guests: Beth Smull is Director of Continuing Education Instruction at IIRP Graduate School with over 20 years advancing restorative practices across education, justice, and community systems. Julia Getty is an IIRP instructor and implementation coach who bridges restorative practices with holistic wellness, having trained educators nationwide and worked for a decade in independent school education as wellness curriculum developer and Eighth Grade Dean. Recommended Resources: International Institute for Restorative Practices: www.iirp.edu "On Becoming a Leader" by Warren Bennis "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz IIRP Graduate Programs and Certificates Listening Circles Training Workplace Conflict Resolution Training Visit the Deans' Roundtable: https://deansroundtable.org Student Life Assessment Program: https://deansroundtable.org/k-12-student-life-assessment-program-independent-school-evaluation/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-johnson510/ Email: [email protected] The Dean's Roundtable: Where student life professionals connect, learn, share, and grow together.