‘Real Teachers’ Defines New Model On Education

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. - Aug. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- In his recently published book Real Teachers: True Stories of Renegade Educators (publisher, SelectBooks, Inc., New York), Dr. Stuart Grauer introduces a new perspective on education, which he refers to as “educational determinism.” Through a series of ten narrative essays, he describes how this perspective involves viewing and analyzing joy in life through the eyes of a teacher. While gathering data over the span of 30 years, he conveys that authentic teachers capture valuable experiences from every aspect of life that enhance the ability to create a closer connection to students and the natural environment. Real Teachers charges, “Surely we will need fearless parents, teachers, and administrators to hold the largest vision for the greater purposes of schooling. Real teachers are willing to risk their jobs solely to engage in a single, openhearted conversation.” Real Teachers has launched a national challenge and has been featured monthly in Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development SmartBriefs, at educational conferences in New York, Colorado, Los Angeles and Seoul, Korea, in addition to being listed the number one “Warwick’s top sellers” in the San Diego Union Tribune (U-T) at the end of March.

 

The book covers attributes of great teaching, while inspiring teachers to elevate their relationships with students. Dr. Grauer, one of the pioneers of the concept of expeditionary learning, suggests that returning to the roots of authentic education (most recently overshadowed by the digital age, standardization and overcrowded classrooms) is critical. He challenges teachers to regain sensitivity to the values of local communities and generational traditions, reverence for nature, admiration for global cultures and respect for discovery. By doing so, teachers will understand the secrets to making students love to learn and recapture a renewed appreciation for their profession. Dr. Grauer reveals that by implementing his model, the educational system can be reformed.

 

Paula A. Cordeiro, Dean, School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego imparts, “A book of wonderful news----a breath of fresh air for classroom teachers and educators. This book evokes the heart of teaching in a clear, compelling, and soulful way. It will help teachers to reinvent the system, find their passion, and stay in the teaching profession.”

Dr. Grauer’s expertise in education leadership is recognized regionally and globally. His experience over four decades in classrooms, on campuses and during global humanitarian expeditions has contributed to his body of work. This experience includes both teaching and evaluating in public and private institutions both in the U.S. and abroad at all grade levels. He served as an international school principal and has taught graduate education courses at two universities. He is a regular Chairman of School Evaluation Committees for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

 

Dr. Grauer was invited to launch the “Insights in Education” Speaker Series this spring at Long Island University, Post. He shares his passion for writing his book within the Preface, “As educational research and practice has shown for many years, the teachers whom students treasure most are those who see their purposes as freeing rather than controlling, and they find their work and ideas to be ever connected with larger meanings. Teachers who practice this model long enough find joy and love in their work. The stories in Real Teachers are filled with metaphors and images to bring this model to life.” To order a copy of the paperback book, visit www.grauerschool.com/real-teachers for a list of vendors. The book is also available for purchase online and at retail booksellers. 

 

Dr. Grauer is the founding head teacher at The Grauer School, President of The Grauer Foundation for Education, and creator of the Small Schools Coalition. In 2007 he was awarded a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship and was named one of San Diego Magazine’s 50 People to Watch in 2008. Dr. Grauer has a deep commitment to humanitarian education and has been recognized by Encinitas Rotary International as Peacemaker of the Year. The Grauer School is an independent, non-profit middle and high school (grades 6-12) accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a member of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and is the only school in the region to be honored as a designated UNESCO school. It is one of two schools in the nation and the only school in California named to Outside Magazine’s sixth annual “Best Places to Work” in the U.S. for 2013. To learn more about The Grauer School experience, now in its 23rd year, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760/944-6777.