On this episode, I sit down and interview my friend and colleague, Jay Sheets. He has 21 years of experience in education including being a teacher, coach, district specialist, and a restorative discipline coordinator. He currently serves as one of the supervisors in school safety and operations in Dallas ISD. 

Jay and I originally connected in the high school coaching world, but our paths joined forces to implement restorative practices in the second largest district in the state of Texas. 

On This Episode:

• Jay and Kevin talk about the development of the long-lasting friendship.
• Jay shares his thoughts about bringing restorative discipline to the second largest district in Texas
• Jay talks about the thought process in going slow in the implementation of the new program.
• Jay and Kevin talk about the importance of relationship building in education even when times are tough.
• Jay and Kevin discuss the 3 zones of learning: content, correct, and connect.
• Jay talks about the decisions schools are making during the pandemic.
• Jay tells how during the walk-out, the teachers decided to meet their needs then listen to their issues.
• Jay talks about the strategies with working with adults 
• Jay and Kevin talk about the qualities needed for a modern day principle

Key Takeaways:

• Get to know students on an everyday basis, and invest in their personal lives
• Don’t allow pressure to cause you to leave your foundational values
• Be careful in your response- know when to ask the right questions and know when to stay silent.

Tweetable Quotes:

"We should only use educators to train other educators because we are hearing from the people who are doing the work." - Kevin Curtis

"We are trying to build a relationship first. Everything else should be a byproduct of that relationship!" - Jay Sheets

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