Blog Archives
Educational Disobedience: A Mom Who Became A Movement
In Educational Disobedience, Dr. Annise Mabry, tells a powerful and deeply personal story of how one mother’s determination to change her children’s educational future ignited a movement that transformed lives. What began as a homeschooling experiment for her two children evolved into a foundation that provides hope and opportunity for countless students failed by the traditional system. Mabry’s journey is a testament to the extraordinary impact of persistence and innovation in the face of an entrenched status quo.
The catalyst for Mabry’s mission comes in the form of a sobering statistic: every twenty-six seconds, a student in the United States drops out of high school. Appalled yet galvanized, she channels her initial success in guiding her own children and neighborhood kids to graduation into something far greater. Through sheer resilience, Mabry creates programs to help others reclaim their education. Her efforts reveal the possibility of meaningful change, even when society insists the system is beyond repair. The book doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of a flawed educational system. Yet, it is far from bleak. Educational Disobedience shines a bright light on solutions, proving there are alternatives for those who feel abandoned by the traditional mold. Mabry’s story challenges the ingrained belief that failing schools are an inevitability. It shows that, with courage and creativity, barriers can be broken, and lives can be rebuilt. Her work underscores that hope should never be the first casualty of a broken system.
This inspiring narrative is a beacon for families searching for alternatives to conventional schooling. Mabry’s approach demonstrates that homeschooling is not reserved for stay-at-home parents or the privileged few. Her journey dismantles preconceived notions, offering practical, motivational guidance for anyone feeling disheartened by the system’s limitations.
Educational Disobedience is essential reading for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. It’s an empowering reminder that defying the status quo is not just possible—it’s necessary. Mabry’s story is a call to action and a roadmap for those seeking to create a brighter, more inclusive future for students everywhere.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B07F68481P
The State of Education
Mending Education offers readers a detailed examination of the ways the COVID-19 pandemic affected changes in the US education system. Why was this an important book for you to write?
We felt it was important to challenge the negative rhetoric surrounding the state of education during and after the Pandemic.
Surely, the Pandemic is not the only crisis that will confront education and best to focus on the positives we learned that we can carry forward. What we learned from the Pandemic can inform how we respond to future crises of a wide-ranging sort.
Can you share with us a little about the research that went into putting your book together?
While our book is deeply grounded in mental wellness and trauma theory, we wanted to ensure that our book was enhanced through and informed by the lived experiences of K—12 educators. To that end, we used several approaches to capture educator voice including: (a) a qualitative survey of educators who worked during the Pandemic; (b) the results of monthly Virtual Teachers Lounge sessions (www.vtl4today.com; and (c) the authors’ own experiences teaching and conducting workshops during and after the Pandemic.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Mending Education?
Just one? Here’s one of several: crises create opportunities. Indeed, crises can activate creativity. The message: don’t let a crisis go to waste; learn from it, explore its implications and use its teachings to plan and prepare for the next crisis.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube
Mending Education: Finding Hope, Creativity, and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma
Mending Education, by Karen Gross and Edward K. S. Wang, offers a compelling examination of the U.S. educational system in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Divided into three sections, the book focuses on the silver linings of a global crisis, highlighting positive practices that emerged during the pandemic and proposing ways to integrate these lessons into the future of education. The authors open by vividly recounting the unparalleled challenges faced by students, educators, and institutions during the pandemic. From preschoolers to university students, no learner escaped the seismic shift to online education. Gross and Wang explore the rapid transition from in-person instruction to digital classrooms, shedding light on how teachers adapted to an entirely new way of teaching.
While the book does not shy away from discussing the devastating effects of the pandemic, including social, economic, and geographic disparities, the focus remains on identifying actionable positives. The authors delve into creative solutions employed by educators during this time, demonstrating how these strategies can become enduring practices within schools. Chapter 8 stands out as a particularly impactful section. Here, the authors spotlight simple yet transformative practices, such as conducting home visits or starting each day with personalized greetings for students. These small gestures, while born out of necessity, fostered stronger connections and deeper engagement, offering lessons in human-centered education. Similarly, the text celebrates how teachers expanded beyond textbook-based teaching to incorporate diverse, innovative methods. Such shifts, according to Gross and Wang, should be embraced and institutionalized to build a more adaptive and inclusive educational system.
While the insights presented are valuable, I feel the book occasionally lacks conciseness. For readers familiar with the intricacies of education, the detailed descriptions may seem somewhat repetitive. However, for those outside the field or involved in policy-making, the depth provides an illuminating perspective on what educators endured and achieved during this unprecedented time.
Mending Education is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in understanding the resilience of educators and the transformative potential of the pandemic’s lessons. Gross and Wang skillfully bridge the gap between crisis response and long-term reform, offering a hopeful vision for the future of education. Whether you’re a policymaker, an educator, or simply curious about how the pandemic reshaped learning, this book provides a meaningful lens through which to view the challenges and opportunities that now define modern education.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0CWJD6L1H
The Little Book of Quotes by Women
The Little Book of Quotes by Women is a delightful, compact collection of 365 quotes from influential women who have graced U.S. postage stamps. Edited by Kathleen Welton, the book spans a variety of subjects like courage, beauty, strength, and love, offering snippets of wisdom from historical figures like Eleanor Roosevelt to cultural icons like Audrey Hepburn. It’s meant to be read for daily inspiration or savored in one sitting. With each quote carefully selected to uplift and motivate, the book also gives nods to the history of U.S. stamps, highlighting how these women’s words and legacies have left a permanent stamp on history.
Right from the start, I was drawn to the accessible organization of the book, broken into themed sections like “Beauty” and “Courage.” It was easy to dip in and find something encouraging. One quote that really resonated with me was from Maya Angelou: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Her words remind us that transformation and growth are messy but undeniably beautiful, and reading this felt like a gentle nudge to embrace my own imperfect journey. It’s clear that Welton put thought into curating quotes that are both timeless and relatable. The theme of courage stood out strongly throughout the book, particularly in the section featuring Harriet Tubman’s quote, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” I couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for Tubman, knowing her life was full of extraordinary risks for freedom. The simplicity of this quote belies the fierce, relentless determination she embodied. Quotes like this gave me goosebumps, and I lingered long after reading them.
The Little Book of Quotes by Women is a lovely little companion for anyone needing a daily dose of motivation. It’s a perfect gift for a friend, a thoughtful read to start your mornings, or a quick reference when you’re searching for the right words to uplift someone. While it may not offer the depth of a biography, it delivers powerful sentiments in a bite-sized format that’s both approachable and heartening. Anyone who loves collecting words of wisdom or admires the indelible mark women have left on history will find this book a gem worth revisiting.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0DHFYT7WC
Signs and Symptoms
Nurse Florence, Why Do I Need to Eat Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin? teaches children about the importance of these vitamins, how they get them into their diet, and how the body uses them to function. What is the most interesting thing about B12 and Cobalamin for you?
This special vitamin is only synthesized by certain bacteria. Human symbiosis with bacteria is obvious with this necessary nutrient.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I like sharing what signs and symptoms show deficiencies of vitamins in the Nurse Florence series. This helps people start to be more aware of their bodies.
Where did the name Nurse Florence come from, and why did you decide to use this as the name of the series?
Nurse Florence is in homage to the great Florence Nightingale from England in the 1800s. She pioneered single-handedly modern nursing. She helped create the first nursing school. She advocated for cleaner and safer hospitals around the world. We owe her a lot and need to honor her.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Nurse Florence, Why Do I Need a Flu Shot? should come out by the end of November 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence(R) book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book(R) A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy Dow Creative Enterprises(R) Help Civilization Reach Its Potential
The Human Body
Nurse Florence: Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body introduces readers to the major systems that keep our bodies functioning. What do you find so fascinating about this topic?
I think the systems of the human body are absolutely amazing. I think it’s incredible how they all work together to make human life possible. We live in an incredible world with outstanding resources.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to me to clearly show each system independent of the others so people could easily see the things that support life. I tried to keep it simple, and I believed I accomplished my goal.
The art in this book really helps readers understand the concepts discussed. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Roland Harrison?
I gave Roland basic drawing prompts, and he recreated images to produce the beautiful art in the book. His images inspired me to write the text.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Nurse Dorothea presents Social Media and Social Networking with its Benefits and Disadvantages. The book will address the mental health issues of social media, but it also recognizes there are benefits to social media use. New Nurse Dorothea books are published every 5 weeks. More information about this series can be found at www.nursedorothea.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence(R) book series provides high-quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book
Growth Mindset
The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference is an inspiring and practical guide for school leaders and educators seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence, responsibility, and ongoing improvement. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My first book, The Teaching Guarantee: Every Day is Different, was finished to coincide with the start of my 50th year in education. The apparent second part of The Teaching Guarantee was the importance of making a difference as a school leader. As I mentioned in the first book, each new appointment for me had to provide me with two things: an opportunity and a challenge. Each challenge required me to make a difference at each school. So, this second book guides leaders, especially school leaders, on how to make a difference in their organisation or school. It was completed in time to mark the end of my 50th year in education.
I have been very fortunate to have a breadth of school leadership experiences encompassing all aspects of school education. For Tema International School, the opportunity provided me with a boarding school environment, the missing link in my experience base. The school’s chairman of the board, Anis Haffar, has mentioned several times over the past eight years that I should share my experience with others. This Teaching Guarantee series enables me to do this.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
My research involved 50 years of personal experiences in schools across three continents, which I have applied to my writing. The reader feedback from my first book inspired me to write a second. The first book was crafted over 12 years, with many chapters completed while I was in hotel quarantine during COVID-19 on three separate occasions (in Fortress Australia). Using a format similar to my first book, I found it easy to complete my second within 12 months. In terms of the book’s organisation, I broke the process of making a difference, or change management, into what I considered were the key aspects (sections) and elements (chapters).
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were several key ideas that I wanted to share with readers and future leaders.
Leadership and culture are essential to change management.
The first task of a new leader is to survey the organisation and identify the biggest issues to address. Then, fix the first issue effectively within the shortest timeline. This will establish your credibility. Continue the process to enhance the reputation of your school or organisation.
Adopt a growth mindset across the organisation and a Kaizen approach to continuous improvement.
Over time, establish a culture that embraces change according to standards and adopt a ‘team of leaders’ approach.
Ensure your vision and values are authentic.
Let performance be your evidence in terms of organisational growth.
Adopt a mantra of making a difference. It is a gratifying experience.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Teaching Guarantee?
I am concerned about the global challenges so many schools face since the return to the ‘new normal’ after the COVID pandemic. It is critical that school leaders make a difference by addressing the priority issues effectively and not using a band-aid approach. Keep things simple and enjoy what you do.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The Teaching Guarantee series, offering invaluable insights for aspiring school leaders. This dynamic guide emphasises that making a difference is not just a responsibility but the core mission of any thriving organisation.
Drawing on 50 years of authentic school leadership experience, Ken Darvall reveals how leaders can create a powerful impact on schools and beyond. The principles he shares are not only practical but also adaptable across various industries. This book serves as a hands-on manual for school change, offering clear, actionable steps without the usual complexities that hinder progress. It empowers leaders to take charge and ignite positive transformations in their schools and organisations.
Addressing Issues Through Change: Discover how effective change management can resolve problems and boost the effectiveness of your school or organisation.
The Importance of Quality Leadership: Learn how to tackle the most challenging issues head-on for meaningful and lasting impact.
Building a Strong School Culture: Uncover the secrets to cultivating a robust school culture that epitomises making a difference.
The Teaching Guarantee: Making a Difference is a rallying cry for schools and their leaders to embrace the mantra of making a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting, Ken Darvall provides the tools and inspiration needed to drive significant, positive change within your organisation. Get ready to make a lasting impact and transform your leadership with this must-read guide!
The Teaching Guarantee: Making A Difference
Ken Darvall’s book offers a comprehensive and insightful guide to enhancing school culture, leadership, and educational standards. With a clear philosophical foundation and practical examples, Darvall lays out the core components necessary to create a transformative environment in schools and organizations alike. His deep expertise and authority in both leadership and education are evident throughout the book, as he shares real-life experiences that lend authenticity to his recommendations. Particularly, his use of Tema International School (TIS) as a case study enriches the content, showcasing his hands-on knowledge and illustrating the effectiveness of his ideas.
Darvall underscores the significance of a growth mindset and the pursuit of high standards, bringing his points to life with anecdotes from TIS that demonstrate these principles in action. By blending personal experiences with broader educational theories, he effectively bridges the gap between concept and practice. This approach not only affirms his abilities as an educator but also enables readers to grasp how theoretical ideas can manifest as impactful, practical strategies. His material is meticulously organized, with each chapter building logically on the last, making a strong case for the importance of a values-driven, mission-aligned school culture. The author’s writing style is both professional and approachable, maintaining clarity without sacrificing depth. He skillfully balances theoretical discussion with real-world application, ensuring complex concepts are presented in a straightforward manner. This makes the book accessible to a broad audience, allowing readers to stay focused on the key insights. Darvall’s reliance on practical examples further strengthens his arguments, such as his illustration of TIS’s rapid transition to online learning during COVID-19. This example highlights the power of preparedness and adaptability, reinforcing the practical relevance of the strategies outlined in the book. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of The Teaching Guarantee lies in its practicality. Darvall provides clear, actionable steps for school leaders to implement. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a standards-driven culture, offering concrete examples like TIS’s Annual Play and Founders’ Week, where the entire school community works toward surpassing previous achievements. This focus on continuous improvement and empowerment resonates throughout the book, making it a compelling resource for modern educators striving to elevate their institutions. Darvall also emphasizes the importance of collaboration, stressing that no one can achieve success in isolation. Working together and empowering others are essential components of effective leadership.
The Teaching Guarantee is a thoroughly well-crafted book. The thoughtfulness in its organization, the depth of its content, and the clarity of its writing all reflect the author’s intention to make a meaningful impact on education. It is an inspiring and practical guide for school leaders and educators seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence, responsibility, and ongoing improvement. Darvall equips readers with a clear understanding of the vital role that mindset, standards, and values play in achieving long-term success, and how to effectively implement these elements to drive meaningful change.
Pages: 226 | ISBN : 1923250108
LITERARY TITAN 