logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2
51m 2s

EP337 Restorative practices aren't a str...

ANGELA WATSON
About this episode

"The adults in the building need healing just as much as the kids do. Self-compassion isn't soft. It's the most radical act of self-preservation an educator can practice." 
That's a quote from my guest in this episode, Marisol Quevedo Rerucha. She's the author of Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices and the CEO of Heartset Consulting Group. A former teacher, principal, and district leader, she now supports individuals, communities, and systems in building high-trust, equity-centered spaces.


Together, Marisol and I explore what a restorative way of being looks like, how to build a classroom culture rooted in belonging and accountability, and why self-compassion is a foundational part of this work. Marisol also shares her personal story of healing, offers real classroom examples, and closes with an unforgettable metaphor about facing life's hardest moments with courage and community.

In this powerful conversation, Marisol Revucha shares why so many educators feel disillusioned with restorative practices and what needs to shift for true transformation to occur.
Whether your school is fully immersed in restorative practices or you're just starting to explore what it means, this conversation offers both heart and strategy. You'll walk away with a clearer vision for what's possible—not just for your students, but for yourself.


Topics include:

  • Why restorative justice often fails in schools
  • How to build a culture of repair and accountability
  • The role of self-compassion in restorative work
  • Real-time responses when students act out
  • Restorative practices for staff—not just students
  • "Being the buffalo": facing the storm together

Get the shareable article/transcript for this episode here.

This episode is brought to you by MiaTiagoBooks.com.

Up next
Nov 16
EP338 Looking ahead to 2026: A new direction beyond Truth for Teachers
<p>It's the final episode of the 2025 season, and I want to leave you with something meaningful. I'm sharing some personal thoughts as I prepare to step away for my December internet sabbatical. I'm thinking deeply about alignment, presence, and what it means to move forward with ... Show More
34m 52s
Oct 19
EP336 4 routines to help students notice and adjust their thinking
<p>Metacognition — "thinking about your thinking" — is one of the most powerful skills we can teach students, and it doesn't require adding anything new to your already packed schedule. In this episode, you'll learn four simple, one-minute routines you can weave into your daily c ... Show More
27m 23s
Oct 5
EP335 How teacher language shapes us—and teaches kids to find their wisest self (with Lily Howard Scott)
<p>"Giving kids, and yourself, language to wrap around the idea that we have an inner leader (our kindest, best self) is transformative."</p> <p>Join me as I talk with Lily Howard Scott, a NYC-based parent, educator, and author, who shares insights from her book The Words That Sh ... Show More
1h 1m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
When Less is More in Your School Counseling Program
<p>⭐️ <a href='https://www.schoolforschoolcounselors.com/mastermind'><b>Join the School for School Counselors Mastermind to build a &quot;stress-less&quot; career</b></a><br/><br/>In this episode of the School for School Counselors podcast, host Steph Johnson addresses an issue m ... Show More
32m 27s
Apr 2023
What Parents Need to Know: Addressing the Rising Trend of Teen Mental Health Issues - a Put It into Practice Episode
<p dir="ltr">In this Put It into Practice episode, I'm giving an overview of Jonathan Haidt's article "The Teen Mental Illness Epidemic is International, Part 1: The Anglosphere", <strong><a href= "https://jonathanhaidt.substack.com/p/international-mental-illness-part-one" target ... Show More
15m 54s
Sep 2024
A Surprising Secret Weapon Against Chronic School Counselor Stress
<p>Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out as a school counselor? Discover game-changing strategies to not only manage- but also thrive- amidst the unique stressors you face daily. Join me, Steph Johnson, on the School for School Counselors Podcast as we navigate the c ... Show More
31 m
Feb 2025
IELTS Vocabulary: Mental Health Awareness
Introduction Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains overshadowed by physical health concerns. This article will explore the role of public awareness campaigns in changing perceptions and attitudes towards mental health issues. Grammar Point ... Show More
22m 2s
Feb 2025
The Fat-Free Fix That’s Failing School Counselors
<p>As busy school counselors, we often find ourselves reaching for quick-fix solutions to help our students. But are these convenient resources truly serving our students&apos; needs? In this episode, I challenge the effectiveness of &quot;print and pray&quot; materials that have ... Show More
22m 25s
Jan 2024
How to Rewire Your Brain with Positive Self Talk with Lisa Mustard
<p dir="ltr">In this episode I explore the transformative power of positive self-talk and its impact on mental health and emotional well-being. I dive into the nuances of nurturing a positive inner dialogue while cautioning against the pitfalls of toxic positivity.</p> <p dir="lt ... Show More
12m 54s
Nov 2024
Bounce Back Stronger: How to Build Resilience and Overcome Life's Challenges
<p>Sign up for group coaching and feedback sessions 🎤 </p> <p><a href="https://academy.explearning.co/plans/412279" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://academy.explearning.co/plans/412279</a></p> <p><br /></p> <p>Join our community 🤩 <a href="https://academy.e ... Show More
8m 9s
May 2021
Episode #43: Dr. Kelley Munger and Megan Marcus - Trauma Informed Educators Network Podcast
Dr. Kelley Munger and Megan Marcus All learning happens through relationships, and our education system has the potential to grow whole children. But educators’ social-emotional development is a critical foundation to student social-emotional development. Educators cannot possibl ... Show More
46m 26s
Jan 2024
How to Manage Change Well
<p> Special Interview with guest, Julie Noonan, Seasoned Change Management Strategist and Certified Coach Join host Dr. Natalie and special guest Julie Noonan, on this episode of &#39;Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving.&#39; Together, they delve into the complexities of ... Show More
50m 13s
Jun 2024
The Unspoken ACE: Teen Dating Violence
We talk about ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) at school. We take bullying head on. But there&apos;s one especially treacherous ACE that afflicts as many as 1 in 3 teens from which we shy almost completely - teen dating violence and sexual abuse. Abuse survivor-turned-activis ... Show More
31m 23s