Students examine the move away from "tough on crime" approaches and consider new proposals for criminal justice reform emerging in the 2020 election season.
Our Work
We partner with district leaders and school leaders to…
Build community in their schools and classrooms
Strengthen students’ social and emotional skills
Increase equity through courageous conversations on race
Our Impact
Through programs including The 4Rs and Restore360, we help preK-12 educators bring transformative change to their schools and students' lives.
Hundreds of schools reached yearly
Since 1982, Morningside Center has helped tens of thousands of educators make their schools and classrooms more caring, collaborative, equitable and effective.
Scientific studies show strong results
Two major scientific studies found that our programs improve students’ social and emotional competency, their academic performance, and the classroom climate.
Suspensions decline dramatically
Schools implementing our restorative practices programs saw suspensions drop an average of 43%, while students’ social skills and engagement increased.
Our Services
Together with educators, we create joyful, productive, and equitable schools by weaving together three approaches:
Young people and adults learn and practice skills to help them do well in school and in life.
Young people stay connected through processes that foster a caring and equitable school community.
School staff increase their cultural competency and ensure that school systems and structures elevate every child.
I can't thank you enough for all the resources, support, and encouragement! This program is breathing new life and meaning into my teaching. It is bringing new conversations into our teaching lives and friendships.
Y. Gray, Robert F. Wagner School, Manhattan
The circle helps me connect with the students and the school and the staff. My favorite moment is when everyone comes together, becomes a family…and just shares.
Fredy, 12th grade student, Green School, Brooklyn
When kids are happy and feel safe and connected to their school, you see better academic outcomes. It’s not a coincidence.
David Cintron, Principal, PS 214, Bronx
Interested in Working with Morningside?
What's New?
Fresh TeachableMoment lessons, readings & announcements
TeachableMoment
November 11, 2019
Public attitudes about crime and punishment have shifted over the past decade, including among politicians from both parties. In this lesson, students examine the move away from "tough on crime" approaches and consider new proposals for criminal justice reform that are in the spotlight during the 2020 election season.
TeachableMoment
November 7, 2019
Facebook's announcement that it would not fact check political ads touched off a controversy over social media and the First Amendment, among other things. In this lesson, students examine and discuss multiple points of view on the issue.
TeachableMoment
November 6, 2019
Students explore how dominant culture beauty standards and discrimination based on hairstyle choices have impacted African Americans.
TeachableMoment
October 26, 2019
How many candidates is too many? Does our current primary system make for a stronger or weaker democracy? Students explore the question, and consider the pros and cons of an alternative system, ranked choice voting.