Soul of the Schoolhouse

The Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Student Engagement’s primary focus is to help readers understand the many, diverse factors that make up engaged learning and students’ motivation to learn. The authors acknowledge the importance of cognitive aspects of education and the techniques that skilled educators use to enhance the learning process; such information is contained in chapters on motivation and models of thinking about how to engage those in our schools. This tome also reflects the essential and interrelated nature of emotional, social, spiritual, and relational elements of engagement in the learning process. As such, chapters of this book cover such topics as educational leadership for engaged learning, school-community connections, co-curricular activities, models of curriculum design, and school law and policies that bolster student learning, as well.

Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Student Engagement fills an important void in the literature on engaging contemporary students in our schools. The authors have produced a comprehensive book that covers both theory and application to practice. Ranging from prominent models of student engagement to classroom methodologies designed to motivate students and make them active participants in their own learning, the topics that comprise the book will help all stakeholders think about student engagement in new ways. There are practical discussions on the role of schools, parents and community members, as well how sports and other co-curricular activities can work in tandem with academics to build a culture of connection and participation. This is a must-read for educators, parents, and even students themselves!, I highly recommend Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Student Engagement to all who are concerned about the state of American education. With student disengagement linked to many problems—such as high drop-out rates, mental health issues, academic underachievement, substance abuse, and even student violence in our schools—finding the “hooks” to keep learners involved in their education and able to be architects in their own learning is more important now than ever. This book can help teachers, administrators, community partners, and higher education faculty explore ways to make each child and adolescent an integral part of all aspects of his or her schooling. I particularly like the scope of the topics, as savvy practitioners know that it is not enough merely to consider academic variables in student success but to view the roles that other programming such as athletics, extracurricular activities, and school policies play in helping all students achieve their goals., Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Classroom Engagement offers insight into the ways in which engagement strategies at the school level can be developed and implemented in order to improve student outcomes. This tome includes a comprehensive look into the theories of student engagement, then elucidates administrative practices, school law, creating effective curricula, and the importance of school culture. These are vital considerations for administrators who wish to create a well-rounded, exciting educational experience for all learners and staff members. Readers will benefit from the whole school approach of this book and the myriad suggestions contained in each chapter. There is no doubt that this book reaches the very core of student engagement practices.

Dr. Nicholas D. Young has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 30 years, serving as a principal, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime superintendent of schools. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year; and he completed a distinguished Fulbright program focused on the Japanese educational system through the collegiate level. Dr. Young has written several books, book chapters and articles on various topics in education and psychology.Christine N. Michael is a more than 40-year educational veteran with a variety of professional experiences. She holds degrees from Brown University, Rhode Island College, Union Institute and University, and the University of Connecticut, where she earned a PhD in education, human development, and family relations. Her previous work has included middle and high school teaching, higher education administration, college teaching, and educational consulting. She has also been involved with Head Start, Upward Bound, national non-profits Foundation for Excellent Schools and College for Every Student, and the federal Trio programs and has published widely on topics in education and psychology.Jennifer A. Smolinski received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Connecticut. She then earned a Masters of Arts in Psychology and Counseling as well as a Masters of Higher Education Student Affairs from Salem State University before completing a Juris Doctor of Law from Massachusetts School of Law. Attorney Smolinski is currently an EdD in Educational Leadership and Supervision candidate at American International College, where she is focusing her research on special education and laws to protect students with disabilities in the classroom.