Root Work Framework
Root Work Framework
Rerooted Learning: Where Academics and Healing Grow Together
A dual-purpose pedagogy that weaves academic rigor with healing-centered, biophilic practice. Built on the 5Rs Framework (Root, Regulate, Reflect, Restore, Reconnect), we transform K-12 education by addressing the impacts of adverse childhood experiences through STEAM classrooms, Living Learning Labs, and restorative relationships.
STEAM, LLLs & PBL
Evidence-Based Framework
SAMHSA-Aligned
Standards-Aligned
Our evidence-based approach integrates five core phases: Root, Regulate, Reflect, Restore, and Reconnect. Each phase builds on the others to create learning environments that honor both academic excellence and students' readiness to learn.
Five actionable phases that integrate academic rigor with students' readiness to learn through relationship, regulation, and reflection.
Connect to purpose, culture, and place. Ground learning in students' identities and community contexts.
Prepare mind and body for learning through rituals, rhythms, and co-regulation practices.
Encourage self-assessment, metacognition, and meaning-making through structured reflection.
Address harm, repair relationships, and rebuild trust through restorative practices.
Apply learning to community and environment, fostering agency and civic engagement.
Supporting diverse educational settings with research-backed pedagogy that addresses the impacts of adverse childhood experiences.
Comprehensive lesson planning tools, professional development, and classroom resources grounded in the 5Rs.
Living Learning Labs, journaling prompts, and micro-economy projects designed for home education.
Implementation sequences, fidelity tools, and data tracking for whole-school adoption.
Healing-centered routines and short-cycle projects for detention, therapeutic, and justice-involved youth settings.
Restorative practices, therapeutic horticulture, and reentry-focused curricula for court-involved youth and DFCS partnerships.
Graduate-level coursework, field placement models, and healing-centered instructional frameworks for pre-service educators that address the impacts of adverse childhood experiences.
A comprehensive digital platform supporting educators, students, and communities.
Generate healing-centered, standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes using the 5Rs framework.
Online courses, workshops, and speaking engagements for schools and districts nationwide.
Toolkits, templates, rubrics, and research-backed materials for immediate classroom use.
Design and implement therapeutic gardens, sustainability projects, and biophilic learning spaces.
Evidence-based books and guides authored by Dr. Shawn A. Hearn, Ed.D., J.D.
Connect with educators, advocates, and partners advancing the Rerooted Learning movement.
Evidence-based. Healing-centered. Standards-aligned. Practically applicable.
Simultaneously addresses academic rigor and students' readiness to learn. Every lesson integrates SEL, regulation, and content mastery.
Fully aligned with state and national standards while incorporating healing-centered best practices that address the impacts of adverse childhood experiences.
Built on SAMHSA's 6 principles for addressing the impacts of adverse childhood experiences: safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness.
Integrates nature-based learning through Living Learning Labs, therapeutic horticulture, and environmental stewardship.
Centers equity, dignity, and healing. Designed for communities most impacted by systemic inequities.
Built on work from leading scholars in addressing the impacts of adverse childhood experiences, restorative justice, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
The Root Work Framework was developed by Dr. Shawn A. Hearn, Ed.D., J.D., a legal and educational professional, U.S. military veteran, and founder of Community Exceptional Children's Services (CECS).
With certifications in Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, and Special Education (EBD endorsement), Dr. Hearn brings decades of experience serving students with disabilities, justice-involved youth, and communities affected by trauma.
The framework is grounded in published research, including "From Garden to Growth: Building Trauma-Informed STEAM Classrooms through Living Learning Labs" and "The Law of Learning: Education, Policy, and Legal Frameworks in K-12 Schools."
Root Work Framework represents a commitment to transforming education into a healing-centered practice—one that honors students' full humanity while maintaining unwavering academic expectations and addressing the impacts of adverse childhood experiences.
Join thousands of educators using the Root Work Framework to create healing-centered, academically rigorous learning environments that address the impacts of adverse childhood experiences.