Meet the Founder
The Professional Journey
Eric Rainey, M.Ed.
Eric Rainey is Graduation Coach at Southwest Guilford High School since 2007, which is a large urban high school (1,597 students) that operates in the third largest school district in the state of North Carolina.
In this role he has helped Southwest reach the highs of a 96% graduation rate for the 2014-2015 school year, which led to recognition from the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium as being one of the top schools in the state. Mr. Rainey also played a vital role in the school's all-time low dropout rate of 0.82% for the same school year.
Mr. Rainey was licensed to train in Restorative Practices in 2019 by the International Institute of Restorative Practices; the largest provider of Restorative Practices professional development in the world. After being introduced to Restorative Practices in early 2018 and doing extensive research, Mr. Rainey realized that what he and his co-workers had been doing at Southwest Guilford High School to produce the data above was essentially Restorative Practices; just without the explicit language to name it.
He offers over 25 years of experience in the field of education and childcare services, serving in varying roles which include graduation coach, classroom teacher, behavior intervention specialist, and recreation supervisor. Mr. Rainey supplemented many of his years in education with coaching football; six of those years as a head high school coach. Mr. Rainey had a brief three-year experience in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff, which proved to be an education in and of itself. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education (minor Mass Communication) from Towson University and a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Walden University.
As an educational trainer & consultant, he transforms schools, businesses and communities.
The Personal Story
As a young boy, I had my share of challenges, rebellion and growing pains. But it was my family, friends and mentors that nurtured me and helped me become the man I am now.
Influence, leading by example and taking a stand in a child's life can make all the difference in the world.
I do what I do to pay it forward.
As a husband, father, brother, son and friend, I consider it my personal mission to be the best example I can be for those who I coach, train and connect with when I work with schools, communities and businesses.
I wholeheartedly believe in the Restorative Practice Process. It's powerful tools and resources have served me well, both in my professional and personal life.
The Passion to Coach
Eric's involvement in team sports, specifically football and baseball, fostered his spirit of competition, which allowed him to thrive in both sports in high school and later at Ferrum College in football. Those early years paved the way for 20 plus years of coaching youth and high school football; including a 6 year stint as the Head Coach at Southwest Guilford High School in High Point, NC. Rainey is credited for turning a losing program into a respectable state contender.
"As a school, we can't be more appreciative of what Coach Rainey has done," Christman said. "He has inspired kids to be great-character individuals. He has instilled discipline within our program and, more importantly, he's taught kids to be productive young men and citizens in our community." ~ Brindon Christman-Athletic Director
