International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP)

International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) The IIRP is the world’s 1st accredited grad school specializing in the field of restorative practices. This is the foundation for all of our work.

The International Institute for Restorative Practices (the IIRP), located in Bethlehem, PA, is the world’s first accredited graduate school that specializes in studying the field of restorative practices, providing education, research, and collaborative application services. At the heart of restorative practices is the understanding that human beings are instilled with the need to connect and grow

with each other. The IIRP supports students and community leaders with the tools they need to transform relationships and effect change within their own lives as well as within public and private K-12 educational institutions, public and private four-year residential colleges and universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs). Through strong academic offerings combined with a real-life approach to education, the IIRP helps build communities and makes resilient and meaningful relationships thrive. Mission
The mission of the International Institute for Restorative Practices Graduate School is to strengthen relationships, support communities, influence social change, and broaden the field of restorative practices by partnering with practitioners, students, and scholars. Our Work
Living Restorative Practices — We model a relational approach and honor human dignity in all that we do. Education — We provide advanced education, professional development, and transformative learning experiences. Collaborative Application — We leverage our trusted expertise with institutions, organizations, and schools to build stronger relationships and more inclusive and healthy communities. Research — We generate and disseminate knowledge regarding the influence of relationships on social health.

🌟 NEW publication alert! "Restorative Practices in Education: Research and Applications" brings together the research, e...
09/01/2026

🌟 NEW publication alert! "Restorative Practices in Education: Research and Applications" brings together the research, experiences, innovations, and insights of teachers, practitioners, and administrators working in classrooms and educational settings across North America.

🔍 Each chapter includes subject-specific references and reflective questions that encourage readers to deepen their understanding and apply the concepts of restorative practices in their own educational settings.

👉 Whether you are new to restorative practices or an experienced practitioner, this book offers research-informed guidance, practical strategies, and inspiring examples to support more relational, equitable, and effective learning communities.

📖 Visit our bookstore's website today to order your copy now! Link in the comments section.

🌅 Summer's almost over, but memories are forever. Answer our circle prompt of the week in the comments! Remember to chec...
08/31/2026

🌅 Summer's almost over, but memories are forever. Answer our circle prompt of the week in the comments! Remember to check out our Back to School '26 playlist on Spotify, link in the comments.

💙 Proactive circles BUILD community; they allow us to express our feelings and truly hear one another, and they help people gain a shared sense of understanding and emotional connection.

08/29/2026

🎙️ In this episode of , host Dr. Claire de Mezerville López speaks with Chair of the Department of Community Engagement and Leadership at Point Park University, Dr. Tahirah J. Walker, about the connections between restorative justice, community, education, writing, and joy.

✍️ A writer, teacher, restorative justice practitioner, and scholar, Dr. Walker challenges the idea that writing and learning must happen in isolation. She shares how she has come to understand writing as a community practice and reflects on the writers, artists, and thinkers who have influenced her approach to community engagement.

🎧 Tune in now! Stream online wherever you get your podcasts or click the link in the comments section.

🤝 Nurture your relationships and build stronger, more connected communities to combat loneliness!🔗 To read Claire's comp...
08/28/2026

🤝 Nurture your relationships and build stronger, more connected communities to combat loneliness!

🔗 To read Claire's complete article and for more information on our Graduate Certificate, "Relational Facilitation for Healing Trauma", click the links in the comments section!

💬 "Rather than trying to enforce compliance through power, the focus must shift to rebuilding a culture of respect and s...
08/26/2026

💬 "Rather than trying to enforce compliance through power, the focus must shift to rebuilding a culture of respect and shared ownership."

🔗 Read the complete article for a list of helpful tips and strategies to repair student-teacher relationships! Link in the comments section.

🆕 Community Events often get confused with simply 'gathering' - Dean of Continuing Education/Lecturer Mary Jo Hebling wa...
08/26/2026

🆕 Community Events often get confused with simply 'gathering' - Dean of Continuing Education/Lecturer Mary Jo Hebling walks us through how we can work on strengthening these events to become more intentional, relational, and truly welcoming.

✅ Interested in taking these tips a step further? It's not too late to enroll in RP 590: Engaging Community for Positive Change: Restorative Tools and Strategies". Registration closes September 1st! Link in the comments section.

👉 This course explores the theory, practice, and critical dimensions of community engagement, examining how 'community' is defined, formed, and sustained. A central focus of the course is the integration of restorative practices as a framework for building and sustaining meaningful relationships within communities.

📣 Hear from Facilitator and School Counselor Stephanie Ressler, who recently completed Restorative Practices for Educato...
08/25/2026

📣 Hear from Facilitator and School Counselor Stephanie Ressler, who recently completed Restorative Practices for Educators!

🏫 Restorative practices is an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues. During this two-day introductory experience, you will learn the fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in your school setting.

👥 Designed for: K-12 teachers, staff, and administrators. This experience is applicable to other audiences, but school-based examples are used.

✅ To learn more about this event and to register, visit our website. Link in the comments section.

💬 "This report challenges all of us to think differently about discipline and to build systems rooted in accountability,...
08/25/2026

💬 "This report challenges all of us to think differently about discipline and to build systems rooted in accountability, healing, and opportunity. If we are serious about advancing equity and improving behavioral health outcomes, we must invest in approaches that keep students connected to their education and give them the opportunity to thrive."—CCDPH

🔗 Read the CCDPH's full report and our research and evaluations page on our website by clicking the links in the comments section!

🫶 A community event is a great opportunity for relationship building! Tell us about one you loved or are excited about i...
08/24/2026

🫶 A community event is a great opportunity for relationship building! Tell us about one you loved or are excited about in the comments section!

🔗 If you're interested in learning more about creating community at events, check out our recent Facebook post where we offer a step-by-step mini guide! Link in the comments section.

💙 Proactive circles BUILD community; they allow us to express our feelings and truly hear one another, and they help people gain a shared sense of understanding and emotional connection.

🌐 Visit our website to view additional resources and research on bringing restorative practices to your workplace. Link ...
08/22/2026

🌐 Visit our website to view additional resources and research on bringing restorative practices to your workplace. Link in the comments section!

Address

531 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA
18018

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16108079221

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP):

Shortcuts

Share

Category