and would prefer a restorative approach for ourselves . In my experience coaching staff , most people are interested in learning an alternative to punishment , they just don ’ t know what to do instead . My elementary restorative practices team has been focusing on involving more staff in restorative circles with students so they can see and feel for themselves how powerful they are ! In these processes students learn they may have done something wrong , but they are not a bad person . They can take active accountability and make things right which provides them with a true learning opportunity . I say all the time – the word discipline actually means to teach – so let ’ s do that !
In your life , who would you say has been the most influential and why ?
It ’ s honestly hard to pick one person as I have been blessed with a wonderful family and many mentors who have impacted me . But I would say my wife , JJ . This year it will be 25 years we have been together and I ’ m fortunate to have her unconditional love . She inspires me because she is always learning and growing as a person . She ’ s amazing in so many ways : teacher , athlete , parent , daughter , friend and more . Because she ’ s always supported me , I ’ ve been able to dream big and follow my passions .
Top middle photo : Photo of an elementary restorative practices team circle . From the left : Lexi Alaniz-Garza ( face not shown ), Durrell James , Erica Hasenbeck , Maricela Lemus , Ezekiel Camargo , Vianney Villalobos , Christina Cassinerio ( only hands showing ). At left , Erica Hasenbeck is with Tumani Heights , Project ACCESS manager .
Q & A WITH ERICA HASENBECK 31