NewRoot Learning Institute uplifts restorative mindsets in adults to co-create thriving spaces for youth and communities through equity, wellness, and radical love. They offer thoughtfully tailored coaching and training solutions that meet partners where they are, develop social-emotional wellness, and cultivate stronger roots and healthier spaces for youth and future generations. Over the past two years, NewRoot has supported and engaged 50+ schools annually, through district-wide Restorative Practice Training and affiliative programming, while focusing on whole-school customized support including Strategic Planning, Racial Justice Professional Development + Team Coaching, and Culturally Sustaining Curriculum.

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Featured & Interviewees:
Principal Lakeya Poston | Cather Elementary School
Principal Michael Grenda | Neal Math & Science Academy
Yoli Sandoval | NewRoot Impact Coach
Everett Daily | NewRoot Impact Coach
Ben McKay | CPS Director of Restorative Practices & Student Discipline
Brandon Parker | Director of Culture & Climate, Walter Payton High School
Destane Williams | Student
Antoine Session | Student
Bre'Air Starkley | Student

Written, Directed, & Produced by Caullen Hudson
Produced by Rosa Zamora, NewRoot Learning Institute
Interview Cinematography by C'airra Cortez & Greg Guillen
Additional Cinematography by C'airra Cortez, Austin C. Pruett, & Jordan Esparza
Editing & Color by Cassandra Tyler & Lighthouse Studios

Watch 75-sec version

"[NewRoot] allows us to be more proactive than reactive [...] and really getting down to the root cause [...] Spending the time to get to know those things versus the consequences has been really transformational." 
PRINCIPAL MICHAEL GRENDA | Neal Math & Science Academy