Restorative Practices for School Leaders to Embed Systems & Shift Adult Culture with Nicholas Bradford

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Nicholas Bradford, Founder and Executive Director of the National Center for Restorative Justice. Nicholas is also the co-author of A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice in Schools: Practical Philosophy, Useful Tools, and True Stories. He shares how building authentic relationships and embedding restorative systems, rather than isolated programs, is critical for cultivating trust, accountability, and resilience in schools.

Nicholas Bradford discusses how restorative practices are proactive efforts to build culture and reduce burnout among school leaders. He explains how schools can move beyond punitive models and create environments that empower students, staff, and communities.

If you're a school leader, educator, or someone interested in shaping the future of education, don't miss this insightful conversation with Nicholas Bradford

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• How adult culture defines school culture and sets the tone for student behavior.

• The impact of consistent, daily relationship-building practices on trust.

• The distinction between consequences and punishment within restorative frameworks.

• Practical stories illustrating restorative justice in real school environments.

• Why leaders must embrace mistake-making and imperfection to strengthen school systems.

Episode Breakdown with Suggested Timestamps:
 [00:00] – Light Introduction & Setting the Scene in Columbia, MO
 [07:10] – Meet Nicholas Bradford: Founder, National Center for Restorative Justice
 [08:08] – Embedding Restorative Practices into School Culture
 [10:27] – Why Adult Culture Sets the Tone for School Culture
 [13:29] – Trust is Built in Drops: Pre-Crisis Connection Matters
 [16:18] – Real-World Tools from Bradford’s Book on Restorative Justice
 [19:43] – Consequences vs. Punishment: What Accountability Really Looks Like
 [25:46] – True Story: School Fire & Transforming Harm into Repair
 [28:25] – What “Imperfect Leadership” Means: Embracing Mistakes
 [32:52] – Adapting Training Models Post-COVID: In-Person vs. Remote
 [38:01] – Emotional Safety & Why Relationships Are Central to Change
 [41:27] – Supporting Leaders Through Crisis & Avoiding Burnout
 [43:15] – Benefits of In-Person Trainings & Cross-Pollination
 [44:15] – Where to Find Nicholas & Upcoming Events
 [45:05] – Closing Reflections: Coffee Fights, Trust Drips, and Real Culture Change

Listening Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856
Podcast Site: https://imperfectlead