Introducing fair process and restorative practices to the next generation through music education and experiential learning.
Andrew Lynn is a current IIRP student pursuing his Master of Science in Restorative Practices. Andrew is an instrumental music teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, PA, teaching at one of the high schools and several elementary schools. At the high school level, he directs the Jazz Band, String Ensemble, and Celtic Ensemble and assists with the larger ensembles. He also serves as a musician in the 28th Division Band of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a Sergeant. Andrew utilizes restorative practices in the delivery of music education by facilitating circles using instruments and non-verbal communication. He leads with curiosity and is looking toward the future of restorative practices and experiential learning.
Q: What brought you to the IIRP?
A: I was introduced to restorative practices when my school district held professional development events in my first few years of being a teacher and was attracted to the emphasis on community building. Since my school district set up a partnership with the IIRP, it made it the obvious choice for advancing my education. Over the past few years, I have slowly worked my way toward earning my master’s degree.
Q: Please tell us about your professional work now and what makes you passionate about it.
A: I have incorporated restorative practices into my teaching by experimenting with an after-school bucket drum club built upon the framework provided in restorative conferencing circles. I find value in facilitating circles to repair harm, and – most importantly – model Fair Process in order to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Q: What would you like to see happen in the future of this work?
A: As a high school instrumental music teacher whose classes are at least 25 students and have capped at over 130, I would like to see more research done on incorporating restorative practices with larger groups. I am also interested in expanding upon my action research, which focused on bucket drum circles, to explore non-verbal restorative practices work through jazz improvision.
