Angels and Superheroes: Compassionate Educators in an Era of School Accountability

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The school accountability movements focus solely on improving standardized test scores is dehumanizing. There is no standardized child. In the rush to quantify, evaluate, and ostensibly improve the American educational system, we have forgotten that education is complicated. Any attempt to distill it into a simplistic measure will fall short and will compromise the nobility of the work. How can teachers continue to do the incredibly challenging work of effective education in an environment that can be downright damaging We can save the soul of education by resisting the dehumanization of students. Teachers can shield children by embracing social-emotional learning, building trust, and displaying compassion. There is no quick-fix to creating a nurturing relationship. There is no single data point that can measure it. Teachers must commit to being present, paying attention, maintaining consistency, engaging in hard work, practicing humility, and working together. Angels and Superheroes provides specific, reproducible practices designed to help teachers cultivate trust and compassion, while managing the pressures of the testing movement. With time-proven theories and cutting-edge research, this book provides engaging examples, concrete strategies, and implementable resources to support teachers in bridging the divide between why they chose this career field the children, and that which is currently being required of them the test scores.

Reviews

While Ive met some remarkable educators during my 40-year career in education, none bring more passion and thought to their vocation than Jack Jose and Krista Taylor. Not only are they the epitome of being student-centered, they constantly challenge themselves to become better by learning from the young adolescents they serve. Drawing from the principles of legendary educator Maria Montessori and applying them to a contemporary urban high school setting, their approach transcends traditional pedagogy in a way that is profound, personal and engaging. In the process, they dont just prepare their students to master academic conceptsthey prepare them for life. -- Mary A. Ronan, superintendent, Cincinnati Public Schools, 2009-2017
The world of education, both public and private, has been derailed by testing and expectations that have little to do with creating schools as healthy microcosms of society. Schools that realize this create a path for young people to become whole, healthy, and compassionate human beings. Jack and Krista are doing that big work and they are doing it with a truly diverse population. They are among the most dedicated and brave educators I know. They lead with heart and wisdom. -- Marta Donahoe, co-founder of Clark Montessori High School, Cincinnati, Ohio and founder and former executive director of CMStep, the Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program
Krista and Jack have amassed a compendium of useful information assembled in an informative, engaging, and compelling manner. Combining the perspectives of an administrator and classroom educator, their willingness to share personal narratives along with timely, relevant research and insights make this an invaluable and accessible read for educators, parents, and anyone with an interest in improving schools. -- Paul Wesselmann, aka The Ripples Guy, writer, leadership trainer, educational consultant
In these challenging times today we certainly need Angels and Heroes to keep us energized to support dynamic student learning and help young people overcome lifes challenges. Whether it is called grit or persistence, educators need to model the positive approach that Principal Jack Jose and Intervention Specialist Krista Taylor have taken in their writing and actions. This new book is on my best reading list for teachers! -- Rae L. White, Chair of the Department of Education at Muskingum University
In these days of high stakes testing and accountability ratings, it's refreshing to read the words of Jack Jose and Krista Taylor. Their work reminds us education is more than labeling and data trendsit's also taking care of our students and nurturing their dreams. Add the ideas of this book to your list of best practices. When the student comes first, learning will follow. -- Mark White, Superintendent of New Albany Schools, New Albany, Ohio and co-author of Whats In your Space: 5 Steps for Better School and Classroom Design and Leading Schools in Disruptive Times
Few professions, if any, provide more lasting value to society than teachers. A good teacher changes lives and makes the world a better place. InAngels and Superheroes, Jack and Kristaprovide practical advice for how to do this important but challenging work in an even more effective and meaningful wayeven in circumstances that conspire against it. -- Craig Weber, author of Conversational Capacity: The Secret To Building Teams That Perform When The Pressure Is On

Author Bio

Jack M. Jose became the Principal of Gamble Montessori High School in 2009 after having taught in Cincinnati Public Schools for 14 years. He earned National Board Certification in Early Adolescent English Language Arts in 1997. Krista L. Taylor is an intervention specialist and CPS Lead Teacher with a passion for including students with a wide range of disabilities. In 2015, Krista was named the Western and Southern Lawrence C. Hawkins Educator of the Year in Cincinnati Public Schools.