147 Practical Tips for Teaching Peace and Reconciliation

Teaching peace and reconciliation is not intellectually or emotionally neutral. Indeed, the authors state that, The teaching of peace and reconciliation is inherently complex, dynamic, and often volatile when debated or discussed. So how does the educator begin? Sensitive to the deep-seated issues surrounding the topic, the authors situate the discussion within a balance of academic theory and real-world practice. They write:

This book attempts to build bridges between theory and the everyday world of educators in schools, as well as leaders in other social institutions who grapple with the complexities of peace, justice, reconciliation, conflict, diversity, unity, and sustainability. It does so by providing practical tips for teaching peace and reconciliation that are rooted in a variety of theoretical and practical orientations.... Our hope is that different people will use these concise and practical tips as springboards for promoting peace and reconciliation in schools, colleges and universities, other organizations, in communities and other groups, locally and around the world.

Of special interest are the personal narratives from the authors as they share their own experiences with peace and reconciliation.

LEARN HOW TO:

Understand peace education

See interconnections

Understand conflict and restorative practices

Develop emotional intelligence

Build a positive climate of trust

Encourage critical thinking about alternatives to violence

William M. Timpson is a professor in the School of Education at Colorado State University and program chair for the doctoral specialization: Educational Leadership, Renewal, and Change. In 2006 he served as a Fulbright Senior Specialist on peace and reconciliation studies at the UNESCO Centre in Northern Ireland. Bill has been an active member of the Peace Education Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association.

Edward J. Brantmeier is an assistant professor in the School of Education at Colorado State University. He serves as Co-Chair of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program in Peace and Reconciliation Studies. He was recently selected as a Fulbright Scholar in Peace Studies to India. Ed has been an active member of the Peace Education Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association.

Nathalie Kees is an associate professor of counseling and career development in the School of Education at Colorado State University. She founded the Women's Interest Network for the American Counseling Association and serves on the board of the 2Hearts4Lacy: The Lacy Jo Miller Foundation and is a frequent group trainer for Pathways Hospice.

Tom Cavanagh resides in Fort Collins, Colorado, and is on faculty with the Richard W. Riley College of Education and leadership at Walden University. Tom has been an active member of the Peace Education Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association.

Claire McGlynn teaches at the School of Education, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Claire is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Peace Education, a board member of the Peace Education Commission of the International Peace Research Association, and an advisor to the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education. She is also a member of an expert panel on teacher education for diversity for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Europe.

Elavie Ndura-Ouédraogo is an associate professor of education in the Initiatives in Educational Transformation program in George Mason University s College of Education and Human Development. She holds degrees from Burundi, England, and the United States. Her interdisciplinary scholarship focuses on critical multicultural and peace education, and immigrants acculturation. She is the founder and coordinator of the Burundi Schools Project, which collects and distributes donations of instructional materials to benefit schools in Burundi.