Welcome to The Peaceable Approach website
As a former elementary teacher of 32 years, I found the PeaceAble Approach to be one of the most successful programs that taught my students how to get along well with others, be better listeners, learn to understand other people's points of view, and take responsibility for their own words and actions. It also taught my students, the importance of being kind and respectful, and aided in their own happiness and self-confidence. Also, because the whole school participated in this program, we had a consistent way to communicate with common words and phrases. There was no second-guessing what was expected. It was a program I was always excited to have in my classroom because it clearly had positive results.
Stephanie Normandin
Grade 1 and 3 teacher
The PeaceAble Approach fosters an emotionally nurturing and restorative connection between teachers and students, extending to the entire school community. This is what a strong community will grow on.
Serena B.
Parent
Using the Peaceable Approach was an integral part of positive communication between people within my classroom. Having regular classroom meetings and encouraging "I Messages" allowed us to use shared vocabulary and build empathy with one another. Over the years, I observed many students build confidence in their ability to express themselves honestly (in a kind manner), in front of their peers. Effectively communicating and having empathy for others is a necessity if we are to build peaceful communities today. I highly recommend using The Peaceable Approach in any classroom!
Wendy Dorset
Retired 4th grade teacher
Blue Creek School
Although I'm not a teacher using the PeaceAble Approach in a class, I was fortunate enough to have 4 children participate in these classes. The skills of effective communication, kindness and compassion used when addressing problems, and empathy towards those different than us were so very helpful as they moved through their school years and later to adulthood. I've heard them say many times how much they have used some of the strategies from those early days and lessons. The lessons taught and the environment created by the PeaceAble Approach were priceless when you are trying to raise children to become kind, caring and responsible adults.
Amy Kearney
( grateful mom )
Kathy/ Eileen -
And all you teachers-
The PeaceaAble Approach creates a community filled with responsible, caring and supportive students. The activities are engaging for students and easy for teachers to implement. The common language used throughout the build allows for consistent expectations.
Karen Downey
Grade 1 Teacher
As a veteran teacher of grades K through 6, the PeaceAble Approach has been a transformative experience for both my students and me throughout the last 25 plus years. This program, with its meaningful and restorative approach to classroom behavioral management, fundamentally reshaped our school’s culture. By integrating holistic strategies that foster community building and equip students with practical tools for problem-solving and conflict resolution, we saw remarkable changes.
The most significant impact has been the development of a compassionate and empathetic environment. Students now actively demonstrate understanding and kindness towards each other, resolving conflicts peacefully and constructively. The classroom has become a supportive space where every student feels valued and heard.
Moreover, the program made our school a wonderful, loving place to work. Witnessing the positive interactions and growth in our students has been incredibly rewarding. The PeaceAble Approach doesn’t just address behavioral issues—it cultivates a nurturing atmosphere that benefits everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any school looking to create a harmonious and inclusive community.
Jennifer Smith
Grade 5 Teacher
A PeaceAble Approach
As a school principal I was concerned about all facets of school life - academic achievement, student safety, teacher preparedness, building security and the list continues on. During my seventeen years as principal of Blue Creek Elementary School I learned, as did the faculty and staff, the importance of a foundational base. In our case, it became the PeaceAble School approach. This foundational base did not sprout fully formed but took several years of study, research, inservice, dedication and the clear view that WE wanted our school to function smoothly, to be inviting to those who studied and worked there as well as to all who visited. As we learned and experimented and shared we began to see progress. Students were kinder to one another, they were improving academically, they were learning how to recognize and then manage their own behaviors using helpful and positive strategies. Blue Creek was becoming more PeaceAble and the focus was more and more on teaching and learning. Laughter was heard in the hallways! The buzz of activity was seen throughout the building! There was a positive feel to the building. Peace was in the air!
Rose J. Jackson, Ph.D.
School Principal, Retired
Everyone wants to feel individually valued and embraced by a larger community. As educators we strive to create this kind of environment for all of our students, but it is hard if you don’t quite feel that way yourself.
Kathy and Eileen served many years as highly successful educators. They have a clear understanding of what it means to be “on the ground” in classrooms and the many competing priorities that exist in our modern schools. Both of them are skilled at developing strong and trusting relationships with children and adults. The foundation of their work is a deep respect for each and every person.
Their clarity of purpose provides a framework for schools to create unique experiences that nurture a positive school culture. I have watched Kathy and Eileen skillfully empower staff members to let their talents and interests shine as they collaborate to design a home-grown school program. In my opinion, this aspect of their facilitation is where the magic happens. Participants have a sense of ownership of the program and the “why” behind each activity. Participants feel valued, affirmed and have great enthusiasm for making their program successful. Now they have the tools to help their students feel the same way.
A healthy community requires continued attention and contribution from all of its members. What is most striking about Kathy and Eileen’s work is how it stands the test of time. It was my privilege to observe Kathy and Eileen continue to keep our school program fresh for decades. Once established, the elements of school-wide traditions, visual reminders of core values, classroom level activities, and positive supports can be flexible and adjusted to meet the changing needs, interests and talents of the school community.
Annette Trapini
Former Blue Creek Principal