Rebecca Taplin

Partner

My undergraduate degree in Anthropology led me to teaching, where my curiosity about how humans relate to each other helped me form strong bonds and hold high expectations for my students. I have been a special needs teacher, a Montessori social studies teacher, and a one-on-one tutor before joining P2RC. Working with both students and adults, the common thread connecting every role I have is my belief that everyone, no matter what, possesses dignity, deserves respect, and needs connection.

Long before I knew the specifics of Restorative Justice in Education, I was practicing its core values within my relationships. I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up; I only knew how I wanted to be. As a child I always felt relieved after fessing up about my mistakes. As a middle school student, I made friends with individuals from every clique and loved collaborating on projects. I spent a lot of time observing and listening to others in new situations, including college courses, before inserting myself into the conversation.

My work as a special educator, Montessori teacher, and tutor has strongly reinforced my core values. In these areas, everyone is seen as an individual with unique strengths and needs. We also know that young people and adults must learn and practice social-emotional skills in order to be successful in their own lives. Working with people of all ages to discover new information and solve problems keeps my brain sharp. Supporting people in building, maintaining and repairing the relationships at work or home sustains my heart and soul. 

Now that I’m helping adults use Restorative Practices in their schools, businesses, and homes, the beliefs I’ve always held stand true. I see each person I meet, from a middle school student to a seasoned leader, as worthy of these essential aspects of humanity: dignity, respect, and connection.