Who it’s for
To change the educational landscape, we start by changing our internal landscapes.
Education Liberation is for educators at a crossroads—those thinking of leaving education, those returning to education after a life change, those questioning the aims of education, or those looking to deepen their relationship with their purpose around being an educator or working in the educational field.
— Nina Otazo, teacher
Education Liberation is for you if:
You care deeply about young people
You want to help young people find their voice and feel empowered to be full citizens and decision-makers in the world they are inheriting and aim to give them as many skills as possible for these changing times. You want to do everything in your power to work through your own, inherited biases so that everyone feels a sense of belonging in your classroom or school.
You want to do some cool sh*it in your school
You are a visionary with big dreams that you know will help bring your school alive. You just need a framework and process to help you become more connected with others and work toward common causes together. You have a hunch that Restorative Justice and its accompanying practices might be just the framework you need.
You are an experiential learner (aren’t we all?!) and see the value in doing both inner and collective work
You want to get in right relationship with yourself, other people, animals, and the land around you. You are intrigued by the notion of learning about circle work by doing circle work.
You want your classroom and school to feel slower, kinder, and more connected
You see that ‘the kids are not alright.’ Everything seems to move faster these days and many more young people than before are showing signs of suffering. You would like more tools to be able to set a classroom or school culture that helps young people feel more connected. You know things need to fundamentally change in education because the structure of most schools is not keeping pace with societal changes. You agree that prioritizing relationships is a key part of paving the way for schools of the future.
Here are a few ways we can get to know each other
Join my free monthly book club.
Check out my blog to get a sense of my approach.
Consider a package of workshops and trainings for your learning community or learn more about whole school implementation.
Sign up for my newsletter to get notified about new online offerings, including small-group coaching.
Reach out and let’s have a conversation. I can’t wait to learn more about you and share more about my offerings.
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.”
– Seneca
What People Are Saying
"Working with Chuck and Abby has helped to knit our school community closer together. After our first year of working together in partnership, staff have reported feeling more energized, hopeful, and connected. Most importantly, we have emerged with a plan of action that puts the voices of students and staff at the forefront and incorporates support from the community. It is truly an intergenerational effort. Principals can contact me any time for a review."
— Debbie Picard, Directrice/Principal
École Secondaire St. Michael’s / St. Michael’s High School
"The unconventional approach that Abby takes with some meditation, poetry, a thoughtful theme and deeply honest sharing with every member took me quite by surprise. I feel that the group reaches a level of honesty and vulnerability that fosters growth and a profound level of introspection. I would highly recommend this course to teachers of all levels of experience - had I done a course like Abby's earlier in my career, I think it would have made me a much better listener and more compassionate 'authority.'"
— Sean E., Teacher
“I recently completed Abby’s Education Liberation “Restorative Justice” course–a beautiful experience that guided me on roads that I did not know I even needed to travel.
We examined our own hurts, biases, expectations, and truths within the context of a small circle of fellow educational changemakers and deep thinkers. It gave us the opportunity to critically examine what we wanted to change –and what we can realistically tackle–in our individual work settings. Important learning and sharing took place. Abby, wise and soulful, held this all with grace and experience.
— Syd Apel, School Psychologist
“Abby brings a centered and joyful energy to everything to which she gives her attention. ”
— Nina Otaza, Teacher
"Over the course of the year when Abby and Chuck introduced RJE concepts and practices into the school with students, staff, parents, and community elders, I observed a shift from despair to hope. Very grateful to Abby and Chuck, and to the principal for her willingness to be vulnerable and explore - characteristics of meaningful leadership and vision."
— Danielle Schami, parent
“ Like a newcomer to a foreign woods, I didn't know where this course was going. But Abby guided us down a magical—and masterly curated—path, each week taking us to a new enchanted place. Asking us to dig deep into ourselves. Step by step, week by week, she wove a beautiful tapestry—leading us to reconnect with ourselves so that we can offer a space for students to truly be themselves and hold space for each other.
— Rosalind McCanny, Outdoor Education Teacher
“This course is both life-changing and life-affirming. The weekly program helps me remember myself.”
— Paula K., Education Entrepreneur
“ Education Liberation is so rich in ideas and medicine for body, mind, and soul. “
— Bonnie Harnden, Professor, Drama Therapy Program, Concordia University
