ABSTRACT

In this innovative series Education Write Now, ten of education’s most inspiring thought-leaders meet for a three-day retreat to think and write collaboratively, and then bring you the top takeaways you need right now to improve your school or classroom.

This second volume, edited by Jeff Zoul and Sanée Bell, focuses on relationships—the heart of everything we do in education. Building strong relationships and a positive school culture takes intentional, consistent effort, and the authors provide strategies and examples to help you along the way.

Throughout the book, you’ll find insights and inspiration on these topics:

  • Connecting the dots among students and staff (Jeffrey Zoul)
  • Strengthening relationships in the learner-centered class (Randy Ziegenfuss)
  • Building a culture of equity and access (Rosa Isiah)
  • Cultivating student strengths and interests (Elisabeth Bostwick)
  • Bridging the gap between schools and families (Laura Gilchrist)
  • Deepening connections through productive conflict (Sanée Bell)
  • Finding relationships beyond the four walls (Onica Mayers)
  • Connecting through the power of generosity (Winston Sakurai)
  • Bringing passion into the schoolhouse (Sean Gaillard)
  • Tapping into dreams for a world-class culture (Danny Bauer)

The royalties generated from this book will support the Will to Live Foundation, a nonprofit foundation working to prevent teen suicide.

chapter 1|19 pages

Connecting the Dots

chapter 2|24 pages

Relationships

The Foundation in Learner-Centered Environments

chapter 3|17 pages

Connecting with Every Student

Creating a Culture of Equity and Access

chapter 4|20 pages

Connecting with Learners

The Power Behind Cultivating Strengths and Interests

chapter 5|20 pages

ParentCamp

Filling the Relationship Gap Between Schools and Families

chapter 7|16 pages

Connecting Beyond the Four Walls

chapter 9|12 pages

Connecting with the Center

Bringing Passion into the Schoolhouse