From the Classroom to Home with Michelle Jacobs

Restorative Works!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Michelle Jacobs to the Restorative Works! Podcast. 

In this episode, Claire is joined by co-host, IIRP Instructor and Implementation Coach Mike Azzalina, M.Ed. Mike has over 16 years of experience in public education as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal, and principal across elementary and middle schools. As an instructor and implementation coach, he brings restorative practices principles and methodologies to educators across the US.

Michelle joins us to share invaluable insights gained from her 17 years of teaching experience and her journey as a foster parent. From her classroom rituals to her family dynamics, Michelle reveals how being intentional and utilizing restorative practices can nurture trusting relationships and address behavioral issues.

Michelle navigates the unique challenges of implementing restorative practices in her first-grade classroom and at home with teenagers, emphasizing the significance of time, intentionality, and community building. Listen to her describe her approaches, including morning circles, proactive problem-solving, asking affirming questions, and managing disruption, all with the goal of promoting a sense of belonging and accountability among her students and foster children.

Michelle is a dedicated first-grade teacher at Winding Creek Elementary School, with 17 years of experience in education. She believes in creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued, understood, and connected. Michelle's approach to education goes beyond traditional teaching methods, incorporating restorative practices that emphasize building relationships and community within the classroom. By fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, she aims to address behavioral issues not as transgressions to be punished but as opportunities for learning and growth. Michelle is skilled in guiding students through understanding the impact of their actions, taking responsibility, and making amends. This approach helps develop empathy, responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving skills among the students. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Penn State and a master's degree in early education Literacy.

Tune in to learn more about Michelle’s proactive approaches to building community and trust in her home and classroom.