We turned to Phil Vincent, Director of the Character Development Group, which will provide the conference book store this fall. Dr. Vincent is also a member of CEP’s Education Advisory Council.
“Without being too self-serving, I would recommend You Can’t Teach Through a Rat and Other Epiphanies for Educators written by Marvin Berkowitz and just out this week.
The book is full of wonderful and funny stories and insights regarding what we could and should be doing in our classrooms and schools to help all stakeholders build a climate of social and moral excellence. Within the 20 chapters Marvin asks us to consider and perhaps reconsider our assumptions as we develop insights into the type of schools we can create for our students and for the staff and parents. The book will challenge you and at the same time offer a pathway towards excellence as we seek to develop the entire child.
We at CDG are honored to be the publisher. The cost is $16.95 and the book can be ordered at www.charactereducation.com
Author Marvin Berkowitz is well known in the character education field. He serves on CEP’s board of directors and is the Sanford McDonnell Professor of Character Education at the University of Missouri-St Louis.
What character books do you recommend?
Please post to CEP’s Facebook page. We’d love to hear your suggestions. Here are some of ours:
President Mark Hyatt: Born For Love: Why Empathy Is Essential–and Endangered This wonderful book by child psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry and science journalist Maia Szalavitz shows how empathy develops and explains why it is so important—and how it is threatened in today’s world. The authors interweave scientific research with compelling stories making it a great read. It will make you think about the negative influences of modern life and offer you some practical solutions.
Vice President Joe Mazzola: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court, by John Wooden
I read this this book after hearing Coach Wooden speak at the Air Force Academy around 10 years ago, and then meeting the author in person after his remarkable speech. I can still vividly recall thinking to myself, “my gosh, what a remarkable person-and one who really gets what is truly important in life.” I recommend this book to any parent, teacher, coach, aspiring leader, or any adult who works directly with young people. In his book, Wooden reminds parents that, “The person you are is the best person your child will become.” He reminds teachers and coaches that, “Being a role model is the most powerful form of education,” and that “they have the most powerful influence on those they lead, perhaps more than anyone outside of the family.” He reminds aspiring leaders that, “you should be more concerned about your character than your reputation. Character is what you really are. Reputation is what other people say or think you are.” He reminds all of us who encourage young people to do their best that, “There are no shortcuts. There is no substitute for basics. And the first basic is good, old-fashioned hard work.” And, he reminds those of us in character education that, “Happiness is being at peace with yourself, knowing that you are making the effort, the full effort, to do what is right.”
Barbara Luther, Director of Professional Development: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul, he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast.
Carol Dreibelbis, Princeton Fellow: Ron Suskind’s A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League
This inspiring novel—based on the life of Cedric Jennings, a black man who grew up in Southeast D.C.—shows the power of student-teacher relationships and would be a great read for any educator.
Becky Sipos, Director of Communications: My recommendation is a book I’ve just started, The Influence of Teachers: Reflections on Teaching and Leadership by John Merrow. I always enjoy reading his blog “Taking Note,” finding his opinions to be thoughtful and balanced. Plus, I thought the focus on “teaching and leadership” would be perfect for me in planning this year’s Forum since the theme is “Developing Leaders of Integrity.” I’m just in the first of the three sections of the book, but I love the inspirational stories of teachers. The book is a quick read, but a thoughtful analysis of the problems facing schools today. I’ll probably finish the book before you all receive this newsletter.
Iris Wyatt, Database Manager recommends To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
In my high school, TKAM was required reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. As an adult, I revisited the book. It was even better. Recently, To Kill A Mockingbird celebrated its 50th year on film. Did I watch it? Of course, for about the 5th time! Considering the issues presented, I think it’s a remarkable movie. I highly recommend both the book and the film.
