Richard DuFour
Our very own Richard DuFour was recently featured on the Education Talk Radio live podcast, discussing Professional Learning Communities and his latest book In Praise of American Educators and How They Can Become Even Better. Check out the playback stream below, and let us know what you think of the interview and the book in the comments below.
In Praise of American Educators
A Call to Action: Improving Our Schools From the Inside Out
Categories: PLC
Over the past 20 years I have read every article and book that Dr. Richard DuFour has written. He is a gifted writer and speaker. In each of his publications Rick has added to the body of knowledge in our profession and clarified the principles and practices that impact student learning. Not only has he served as a knowledge leader but he is also a lead practitioner. He has demonstrated that he knows what to do and can actually implement the practices that result in high levels of learning for all students. He has achieved remarkable results as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. His work has spanned the globe and given more hope to more students and educators than anything before or after him. I am proud and honored to call him a mentor, friend, and fellow educator. Recently I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of his latest book, In Praise of American Educators: And How They Can Become Even Better. It struck me as the most direct and moving book I have ever read. As I read each page, I kept thinking this is “spot on”!
Some Much Needed Praise
Categories: PLC
This post is part of a series on In Praise of American Educators (And How They Can Become Even Better).
After reading an advance copy of Dr. Rick Dufour’s In Praise of American Educators (And How They Can Become Even Better), I now feel exactly like I do after reading any of his books: empowered and challenged. Just look at the title: it praises me as a teacher yet also suggests I can do more. That’s my PLC experience over the last 11 years in a nutshell.
Learning From High-Performing Countries
Categories: PLC
This post is part of a series on In Praise of American Educators (And How They Can Become Even Better).
This title of Chapter 4 in Rick DuFour’s In Praise of American Educators: And How They Can Become Even Better caught my attention. It seems like such a basic thing to do – if things are bad, look to see who is doing it right. Even if things are not bad, isn’t that the essence of school improvement? We look at other school systems to see what they are doing, we look at other schools to see what they are doing and even in our own PLC’s, we look at other teachers to see what they are doing. So why not take some ideas from other countries?
3 Takeaways from Rick DuFour’s New Book
Categories: PLC
This post is part of a series on In Praise of American Educators (And How They Can Become Even Better).
Why 3 takeaways? Because they wouldn’t let me post 33. Several weeks ago I saw the weblink to Rick’s new book. The ad said “A Must-Read Masterpiece.” The word masterpiece certainly evokes a majestic image. In this case, it is certainly warranted. In this book Rick thoughtfully and directly speaks to some of the most challenging issues of the day in American education. He brings clarity, perspective, and the commanding inspiration to take immediate and decisive action. Gertrude Stein said “a masterpiece may be unwelcome, but it is never dull. “ Indeed, In Praise of American Educators will stir your imagination, force each of us to take a look at ourselves, and ultimately shine a light on steps towards a brighter future. Now, my three takeaways and reflections: