The Thoughtful Teacher

Review\nIn his latest book, Kirylo does an excellent job of inviting current and future educators to think critically about how they form both their philosophy and their practice of teaching into a thoughtful and dynamic pedagogy to holistically support diverse student populations. He identifies strong relationships and communication as the key foundational elements for creating dynamic schools and communities. Kirylo further indicates that in order to establish strong relationships all educators must work closely with students, parents/caregivers, and the community to develop the bonds necessary to further the mission of their respective institutions…. Using notable historical examples coupled with numerous suggestions for thoughtful practice, this book is bound to encourage robust discussion and prompt future research among educators who wish to cultivate mindful practices that support diverse learners. Essential.\nThe Thoughtful Teacher will inspire educators to make meaningful connections with students from all walks of life. It is written with a clear focus and with a deep sense of intentionality. -- Todd Whitaker, educator, international presentor, and author of What Great Principals Do Differently: Fifteen Things that Matter Most\nA beautifully written book that reminds educators of the critical importance of thoughtful teaching. I believe that educators will find this book invaluable as they look to make connections with a diverse student population. -- Nathaniel Bryan, assistant professor, College of Education, Health, and Society, Miami University\nProfessor James D. Kirylo masterfully presents a gentle and yet inspiring call to teachers and teacher educators on their moral obligations to students in his text, The Thoughtful Teacher. His approach to a rich pedagogy through authentic relationships, fairness and social justice in the classroom is simply brilliant. This book is an open invitation to all educators to take up the challenge of serving equitable opportunity and access to all students with a wand of love and respect. This book should be on a must reading list for teacher education courses.
-- Basanti Chakraborty, Professor, Early Childhood Education, New Jersey City University, NJ\nWith all the emphasis on learning, it is amazing how little thought is given to ‘where to start'. James D. Kirylo cuts through all the verbiage on education reform, and gives us a straightforward answer: Critical thought, focus and relationships are at the core. The Thoughtful Teacher: Making Connections with a Diverse Student Population gives us a sweeping review of both the big and small picture. A thorough compendium of what the new agenda should look like and do, Kirylo captures the core schema for what it means to be a thoughtful teacher.
-- Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto; International Consultant\nJames D. Kirylo is an educator not forestalled by the current neoliberal capitalist assault on public education. His work stands as a remarkable advance in social justice philosophy and teaching. If there is a book sorely needed in today's public arena, it is this one!
-- Peter McLaren, Chapman University\nA thoughtful teacher is one who works to foster an inspiring classroom environment where students fall in love with learning. Indeed, it is incumbent on the teacher to understand self, to be prepared, to possess command of subject matter, to teach in a developmentally appropriate manner, to mindfully incorporate culturally relevant practices, and to illuminate a sense of connection with a diverse student population. In that light, The Thoughtful Teacher: Making Connections with a Diverse Student Population highlights the critical importance of what it means to thoughtfully teach, emphasizing that a central aspect toward transformation in education is through the dedicated efforts of thoughtful teachers. Written in accessible language and making clear the important connection betwee