Mindset, Character, and Restorative Discipline
By Bruce J. Stewart
“Character – the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life – is the source from which self-respect springs.” –Joan Didion , American author
The dictionary defines mindset as: “the established set of attitudes held by someone.” A “restorative” mindset is in harmony with all of the best qualities of a teacher, an educator, and all people of integrity and character whose purpose-filled life is defined by serving others.
On the other hand, a punitive approach to student discipline is in conflict to the intended outcomes. Separate and competing mindsets cannot coexist without conflict and will undermine the intended outcomes that Coach John Wooden, a master teacher, implores teachers to “bring out” — confidence, poise, imagination, initiative, tolerance, humility, love, cheerfulness, faith, enthusiasm, courage, honesty, serenity.
How do you bring value to your classroom? A restorative mindset celebrates and complements all of the qualities that make you an excellent teacher. When you bring your qualities of love, imagination, honesty, and enthusiasm to the classroom, your students learn, and your value increases. All forms of growth — emotional, social, and academic are the result of what we focus on and which are practiced often. A restorative mindset believes that a person attracts success through positive thoughts, action, and habits. Ideas can be life changing. When we use our imagination, excuses and blame disappears. As a leader, your actions are the result of your own beliefs nurtured by confidence and courage.
However, be prepared to face criticism. In particular, your colleagues may not agree with the Restorative Discipline philosophy. Your values may be questioned, including the good that is a result of your teaching. Expect that your methods will be attacked as well, especially when using student behavior infractions as learning opportunities. Your courage and leadership will ultimately inspire and teach your students. The social and emotional growth evident in your students will be the best testament to your methods inspired by your mindset.
Mutual trust between teacher and students has amazing power. Trust has the potential to change the trajectory in the life of a student who learns responsibility. Responsibility leads to maturity. Therefore, when students accept full responsibility for their actions and behavior, they accept the logical consequences of poor choices. This includes making amends and restitution when they have harmed another person or have adversely affected the community to which they belong. When students learn the power of restitution they grow with empathy and compassion.
Simply stated, “Restorative Discipline helps build character.”
The author, Dean Sims, in his book, “A Clear View to the Lake,” writes, “There is no correlation between character and material success but there is an absolute and unshakeable correlation between character and self-respect. And from self-respect grows an inevitable harmony in human relations, confidence, resilience, perseverance, optimism and ultimately contentment.”
Let’s teach our students to experience self-respect through a mindset inspired by hope, optimism, and an unfailing commitment of service to others.
What Restorative Discipline is Not
- It is NOT a “canned program.”
- It is NOT meant to replace what you are currently doing.
- It WILL NOT be forgotten. (Because it is in harmony with the human spirit.)
- It DOES NOT come bound in a 3-ring binder which will then sit on a shelf in the faculty lounge. (But your Restorative Discipline Resource Handbook WILL BE in high demand.)
- It DOES NOT require that the entire school adopt this mindset, although that is HIGHLY DESIRABLE.