A Restorative, Human-Centered Approach to Professional Development
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“We’re doing professional development next week.” These words can generate reactions ranging from excitement to dread for staff. As early as Malcolm Knowles’ original writings on andragogy, or adult learning theory, leaders have acknowledged the importance of professional development (PD) being a positive and encouraging experience. However, many professionals have been exposed to PD that is energy-draining rather than cup-filling. This can look like a sit-and-listen workshop or training that is outdated or irrelevant. It can also simply be a PD experience that isn’t human-centered, where participants’ psychological, physical, and emotional needs haven’t been prioritized.
As organizations increasingly acknowledge the importance of relational, collective work, there is much to learn about delivering strong PD from restorative practice. In the language of the Cree people—one of the largest Indigenous groups in what is now Canada—the word Wetaskiwin means “the place where peace is made.” This reflects a worldview grounded in harmony, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. One of the gifts of Indigenous culture is a deep focus on relationships and both individual and collective wellness. When we think about staff as a collection of humans, working together in the often-stressful environment of education and youth development, we can easily see how we might benefit from taking a restorative approach to PD. In "A Restorative Approach to Professional Development," we explore what a restorative approach is, why it matters, and suggest a framework to apply it to professional development in youth work. Published May 30, 2025 |
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