By leading the nation, we mean that CEP will be America’s best provider of quality resources, guidance and information on comprehensive, effective character education. We will be the pre-eminent advocate for character education in all schools and the organization they turn to for advice and support.

By helping schools, we mean that we serve educators and leaders who are committed to transforming school cultures in ways that foster and reinforce core values such as honesty, respect, responsibility and diligence. We do that by identifying National Schools of Character as exemplars, providing tailored and powerful professional development, identifying effective practices, defining core concepts, and by hosting the premier National Forum on Character Education each year.

By good character, we mean valuing and doing what is ethically right and pursuing excellence. People of good character understand, care about and act upon universal core ethical values. They are also hard working, dependable, engaged citizens who do their best in all areas of their lives. By modeling social, ethical, and emotional competencies, they contribute to their own success and to the success of others.

By just and compassionate, we mean a democratic and free society dedicated to advancing equality and justice for all people. It is our belief that character education in schools is essential in preparing young people for civic engagement that reflects concern for the welfare of others and a willingness to act in service of the common good.

CEP is key to connecting people interested in character education, especially educators from states/communities without a lot of support for character education. Watch video >>