Education Research Reading Room ERRR #108. Bill Hansberry on Making Restorative Conversations Work
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Jan 9, 2026 Bill Hansberry, a 30-year educator, counsellor and author, discusses practical restorative conversations in schools. He walks through a real Year 7 conflict, preparation steps, and how to include families and peers. He outlines scripts, micro-skills, managing shame, and how to teach and rehearse routines before restorative work.
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Toxic Rivalry Turned Restorable
- Two Year 7 boys, Tristan and Jason, escalated from teasing to fights and property damage that split the school and alarmed parents.
- Bill Hansberry was called in to mediate and ran a restorative process involving prep, a conference, class reps and follow-up that repaired the harm.
Prep By Asking Who's Affected
- In preparatory meetings ask who else has been affected and whether the students think the situation can be made better.
- Ensure students accept some responsibility before scheduling a full conference.
Prepare Parents With Empathy
- Prepare parents the same way as students: listen, acknowledge distress, then invite them into the process when they're ready.
- Gain trust so they feel safe to participate in a face-to-face restorative meeting.
