Notice: Presenters, titles, descriptions, dates, and times for the in-person schedule are subject to change as needed by the VSTE Conference committee.
"Prison" is one of the most commonly used words by students when asked to describe their classrooms and schools. As educators, we all believe that classrooms should be places that are restorative for students and teachers, but most are not designed this way. This session will share strategies that embrace emerging technologies, infuse natural elements, and purposely enhance human connections. Knowing these strategies will empower educators to create learning environments that improve student wellbeing, engagement, and learning more thoughtfully. The presentation is rooted in the experience of an ongoing project that challenged the presenters to completely reimage four existing classrooms across Henrico County Public Schools (PreK, 3rd Grade, Middle School Math, and HS Colab English). All strategies discussed are backed by years of supporting research from three guiding texts, Whole, Schools Than Heal, and the Power of Moments. Join three experienced learning environments designers, actively transforming Virginia and regional public schools' learning spaces, learn the five big ideas, and walk away with 15 adaptable strategies for designing restorative classrooms, one learning space at a time.
