Peer Mediation Program

The Peer Mediation program is currently in its 8th year of operation at North Shore Technical High School. There are 18 peer mediators in the program this year. Students who have been nominated by faculty, interviewed and selected to be peer mediators go through an intensive training to learn how to conduct mediation sessions between students in conflict who have been referred to the program. Ms. Ellen Kline, school adjustment counselor, has been running the program since its inception in 1999. She screens all potential referrals to determine if they are appropriate for peer mediation. She trains, and then supervises the peer mediators.

Peer mediation is a structured method in conflict-resolution used to help students resolve conflicts peacefully. A co-mediation model is used. Two student peer mediators, who have been trained in the process of mediation, help facilitate discussion between students who are having a conflict. The peer mediators are trained to maintain confidentiality and to remain neutral. They guide the disputing students through the mediation process, which facilitates an opening up of communication and allows the disputing students to brainstorm about how they may resolve their own conflict.

Anyone can make a referral to the Peer Mediation program, including parents and students themselves. Please make all referrals to: Ms. Ellen Kline, Peer Mediation Coordinator at ext. 342.