Save Our Public Schools: Advocate for Formal Conflict Solutions

As a middle school teacher and trained conflict resolution practitioner, I recognize the many factors that contribute to conflict in 21st-century education. This makes it essential to develop a formal conflict resolution initiative for students, parents, and administrators. I have consistently advocated at the state, local, and national levels for a formal conflict resolution curriculum to help reduce conflict in public schools. A curriculum that teaches effective communication, empathy, and de-escalation is important not only for addressing interpersonal conflict but also for helping resolve institutional challenges.

Teachers must constantly balance classroom demands with personal responsibilities while also identifying the causes of conflict and implementing positive, creative strategies for resolution.

What does a formal conflict resolution curriculum look like? It should be designed to be age- and grade-appropriate while teaching healthy self-awareness, self-esteem, and communication skills.

Because such a program depends on support from parents, administrators, and the community, I advocate for inclusive modules that engage everyone as part of the effort.

I have created and received a copyright for a formal conflict resolution program, Students for Non-Violent Interaction. Through Students for Non-Violent Interaction, I have published both a book and an accompanying activity book, The Diverse Universe, as the beginning of this journey. I am currently working on another book within the Diverse Universe series that will give children a broader voice and embrace their conceptualization of what a world looks like when there is a positive guide to how we manage conflict and differences.

My Diverse Universe series has recently been nominated for an International Impact Award for Books.