"I read this book with great interest,
for the topics addressed are of great importance for educational practice,
and hence, for the larger society. They approach the issues of character education
from a variety of directions, including a highly suggestive American Indian
perspective that has been far too little understood in our culture. This book
is a stimulating and thoughtful contribution to character education."
Noam Chomsky (Language and the Problem of Knowledge, Manufacturing Consent, et al)
"Teaching Virtues is a fundamental and
welcomed change in educational approaches to building character. It uses a
meaningful context for youth rather than just dishing out facts and hoping
that kids will eventually succeed in life."
Vine Deloria, Jr. (Spirit and Reason, Red Earth, White Lies, Custer Died for Your Sins)
"The authors invite the reader to think outside
the box as they construct an innovative model for character, drawing from
the great spiritual traditions of First Nations people of North American."
Larry Brendtro, (Reclaiming Youth at Risk, Positive Peer Culture)
"Here is an educational approach that honors
the interconnectedness of the world and helps our young people engage it with
wisdom and integrity. The authors combine the inspiration of spirituality
and ecologically rooted indigenous traditions within the creative practices
of progressive educators.This book is a refreshing perspective on character
Ron Miller (What Are Schools For? Holistic Education in American Culture)
"We give our highest endorsement to Teaching
Virtues. The authors present an approach that does not separate character
education from effective teaching, but instead make it foundational. The teaching
strategies and ideas for integrating character content in each subject matter
area will be useful for classroom teachers . After reading this book you'll
be certain that effective character education should not be a supplemental
Mary Williams and Ed DeRoche, Directors of The University of San Diego's International Center For Character Education. (Educating for Hearts and Minds)
"Teaching Virtues adds to understanding of the
connections between the teaching of virtues and the practice or moral reciprocity
within community. A book based on the American Indian's varied and rich experience
of community, it brings a tradition wisdom to the authors' specific recommendations
for reforming the curriculum are much needed at this time."
C.A. Bowers (Educating for An Ecologically Sustainable Future, The Culture of Denial)
"Brilliantly written, utterly practical. Will
make the world a better place. The authors tell and show teachers- and anyone
with an interest in our future generations-how to build this wise and ancient
way of learning into both classroom practice and everday life. Help make the
world a better place: Read and use this book now."
Thom Hartman (The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight)
splendid book brings to education one of the most neglected and abused resources
of our continent: the deep knowing of American Indian people. This is precisely
what we need to revitalize our educational systems. Everyone who reads this
book with an open heart and mind will emerge wise and stronger."
Parker Palmer The Courage to Teach
book offers a new but ancient perspective teaching. Like the American Indian
people who practiced it for thousands of years , it does not allow us to separate
character from content, and by this , makes it possible for us all to "walk
Sunita Gandhi President-Worker (The Council for Global Education and Dignity )
and directness, the authors provide as inspiring and practical guide for teachers
to infuse character education throughout the curriculum. Their framework adds
a much needed meaning and integrity to learning and honors the creativity
and wisdom of each teacher."
Rachael Kelller ( The Soul of Education )