Elizabeth C. Manvell

Who am I?

• I wanted to be a teacher since I was twelve years old when I volunteered to help during the first year of the Federal Head Start Program.
• I followed my dream and earned a BS and MS in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration.
• I am a California trained court and community mediator, and I have a Certificate in Restorative Justice from Simon Fraser University. I serve on the Advisory Board of the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice.
• I like new challenges. I have 35+ years experience in a variety of roles: Pre-K and elementary teacher, school principal, parent educator, regional staff development coordinator and trainer, curriculum developer, college instructor, and college supervisor of student teachers.
• I developed the syllabi and taught undergraduate and graduate education courses in discipline and social responsibility, character education, gender issues in education, and the student teaching seminar.

Why do I write?

I write because there is a theme to my life. Just look at the courses I taught and you will know what it is.

I have always been passionate about the importance of a positive school and classroom climate and of creating learning experiences that motivate and inspire students. I have a strong belief system about social justice and our personal and professional responsibility to our children. I am inspired by the unique role teachers play in the lives of children and families, and by what compassion and tenacity can accomplish on their behalf.

I believe the principles, values, and practices of Restorative Justice can make a school a nurturing, healing place of healthy relationships. I remain optimistic and energized about education and the recent breakthroughs in facing and rooting out personal and systemic racism. I never want to stop thinking, researching, and writing about children and school climate.

Here are the results…

• Teaching is a Privilege: Twelve Essential Understandings for Beginning Teachers
• Story Power! Breathing Life Into History
• The Violence Continuum: Creating a Safe School Climate (November 2011 release)