2025 Baxter Symposium Session

Presenter: Kaleigh Dolan, Lyons Township High School

In this workshop, educators will learn how to implement restorative and community-building circles in their classrooms to foster deeper connections between students and teachers. We will explore the structure of my weekly circles, which include meditation, check-ins, and a powerful practice called "Individual Work," where students share personal experiences to build empathy and understanding. Attendees will gain practical strategies for facilitating their own circles, overcoming initial challenges, and creating a space where students feel heard and supported. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience parts of the community circle firsthand, stepping into the role of both facilitator and participant. Through discussion and reflection, we will unpack the impact of these circles on student relationships, classroom culture, and social-emotional learning. By the end of the workshop, teachers will leave with the confidence and tools to begin their own restorative circle practice, fostering a stronger sense of belonging in their classrooms.