Introduction to Circle Ways immerses participants in a variety of circle experiences, grounds them in the history of circle practices and the elements of circle facilitation, and arms them with a copy of our Circle Facilitator’s Manual.

As participants turn toward one another and what’s at the center of their circle, this workshop elicits authentic sharing, non-judgmental listening, new perspectives, and feelings of respect, gratitude, and affection.

Upon completing this workshop, participants are prepared and inspired to begin facilitating circles with students, colleagues and parents, and to connect academic and social-emotional learning. We are now offering this highly experiential workshop online!

This series of 8 90-minute sessions occurs on Saturdays from 10-11:30am Pacific Time. Our friends abroad can join us on the same dates at 6:00-7:30pm in the UK / 7:00-8:30pm in Western Europe / 8:00-9:30pm in Israel and Turkey / 8:30-10:00pm in Tehran.

Foundations of Restorative Practices introduces educators to the restorative justice-based practices that are the responsive complement to the proactive, community-building circles introduced in our Introduction to Circle Ways workshop. This workshop grounds participants’ understanding of the history, philosophy, and principles of restorative practices and engages them in experiences of restorative practices they can then apply in their classrooms, schools, and personal lives. Participants will gain insights and skills to improve communication and strengthen relationships with students and colleagues, to foster discipline, to address behavior issues and conflicts effectively and equitably, and to increase social-emotional (SEL) and academic learning. This workshop is for all school staff.

We are now offering this experiential workshop online in two 4-hour sessions from 9:00am-1:00pm Pacific time, as well as in-person over the summer (COVID permitting) as a full-day 8-hour session.

Facilitating Restorative Conferences builds on the Foundations of Restorative Practices training and introduces participants to the formal restorative conference process for addressing serious incidents of harm or wrongdoing by convening a circle of those who have caused harm, those who have been harmed, their respective supporters, and other community members to decide what needs to be done to make things better. This workshop is especially useful for deans and coordinators who are responsible for facilitating formal restorative conferences at their schools. It also valuable for classroom teachers and administrators to understand the elements of the restorative conference which inform less formal dispute resolution processes such as restorative conversations and mediation.

We are now offering this experiential workshop online in two 4-hour sessions from 9:00am-1:00pm Pacific time, as well as in-person over the summer (COVID permitting) as a full-day 8-hour session.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Circle Ways. This practicum is for primary level teachers who are already implementing circles in their classrooms.  Each practicum is unique based on the needs of participants. A week before the event, teachers submit questions, concerns, or situations that have arisen in their classroom practice. The “curriculum” of the day is determined by these immediate needs. The workshops are scheduled on Sundays, 9:00-2:30 with an hour break.

The Educator Circle is for people who are using circles in their classroom, school, or community…as well for those who are simply circle-curious. Educator Circles are free and occur every other Wednesday throughout the school year, from 6:00 - 7:30.. Our community of practitioners is growing and when we come together in circle with one another we are re-sourced from the experience while learning new things to try with students and others in our schools. So come join us!

Circle Ways has been offering parent “councils” for over 25 years. Now we are offering them online and free every Thursday 3:00-4:30pm Pacific. This “virtual circle” is an opportunity to connect with other parents to explore the “mysteries of parenting” and to learn the art of peer-led, self-sustaining circles. Each event is 90 minutes and free of charge (donations gratefully accepted.)

The International Online Circle is for people who are using circles in their classroom, school, or community…as well for those who are simply circle-curious. International Online Circles occur monthly on Tuesdays at 10:00-11:30am Pacific Time (which is 6:00-7:30pm in the UK / 7:00-8:30pm in Western Europe / 8:00-9:30pm in Israel and Turkey / 8:30-10:00pm in Tehran). Our community of international Circle Ways practitioners is growing and when we come together in virtual circle with one another we are re-sourced from the experience while learning new things to try with students and others in our schools. Join us!

Using play and movement in the circle activates “mirror neurons,” stimulates spontaneity, elicits laughter, and attunes the participants to one another – even when the circle is online and virtual. In this PD, participants will learn how to engage students from the confines of a home screen to notice and connect with one another more fully, using movement, imagination, theatre, and art. The circle invites them to reflect on their experiences or provides a springboard for a story prompt.  These activities can also be used as a break when needed and as part of a closing or transitioning, allowing students to more fully embody their experience. This PD is offered monthly on Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm PDT

Prerequisite: Introduction to Circle Ways. This practicum is for secondary level teachers who are already implementing circles in their classrooms.  Each practicum is unique based on the needs of participants. A week before the event, teachers submit questions, concerns, or situations that have arisen in their classroom practice. The “curriculum” of the day is determined by these immediate needs. The workshops are scheduled on Sundays, 9:00-2:30 with an hour break.

Family health requires ongoing communication. Like individuals, families go through developmental stages, and communication must evolve in tandem. Circles can make this possible as the group learns to assess and respond to the needs of the relationship itself rather than just the needs of the individuals. This offering is for extended, blended, and immediate families as well as married, unmarried, or otherwise committed couples. It is not “family therapy” in the traditional sense. Members are trained to rotate facilitation and to access, frame, and turn towards what matters to sustain a thriving relationship. We initiate the process in a limited number of sessions, and the family carries it forward. For more information contact Joe, joe@circleways.org. DON’T USE THE REGISTRATION FORM. Just contact Joe directly. Fees vary depending on family size and number of sessions.