It Starts in the Classroom

It Starts in the Classroom: Character Education for a Better Tomorrow is a welcome addition to the character education landscape and addresses a compelling and urgent societal need. DeRoche and Pariser make a solid case as to why “teachers…need to become problem-solvers…especially in regard to educating children and youth to be both smart and good.” Equally rich in theory and easy to adapt classroom ideas, this book will be one teachers at all levels will want to keep within arm’s reach! -- Bobbi Hansen, associate professor, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego
If you appreciate a book written by one of the leaders in the field, is easy to read and understand, provides a historical perspective, contains all the latest developments, and offers you countless suggestions for improving your classroom and school, this is it! Edward F. DeRoche has dedicated a good chunk of his life to character education and has done a beautiful job with Serena Pariser of passing on much of what he has learned in a practical and down-to-earth guide for bringing out the best in our students. -- Hal Urban, teacher, speaker, and author of "Life’s Greatest Lessons: 20 Things that Matter"
In It Starts in the Classroom: Character Education for a Better Tomorrow, Dr. Edward F. DeRoche and Serena Pariser cover all of the aspects of how to teach this firm foundation to our youth, from the importance of the school’s commitment to the teachers’ role and how to incorporate character education practically and easily into the classroom, to how to assess character development. They provide research and resources for those who want the data, and anecdotes for those who want to hear real results. For those invested in the younger generations and wondering how we can focus on civility, self-discipline, justice, and conflict resolution, this book is a must-read and must-share! -- Janel Meehan, ELA teacher, grades 7 and 8, San Diego Unified School District
PreK-12 teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and educators need resources that are practical, relevant, and easily replicable. DeRoche and Pariser offer a thoughtfully organized “character education tool kit” that is distinctly (and thankfully) rooted in the classroom. I really appreciate the no-nonsense conversational tone and teachers will love the great collection of adaptable no-prep materials. Make this book work for your needs and style, and, more importantly, make it work for your students as you help them develop the attributes needed to be successful not just in school, but in life. -- Harlan Klein, M.A., M.Ed., principal, Solana Beach School District