From a Principal's perspective, it has been an unbelievable start. The students love the class and the community loves it as well. We have
been able to somewhat personalize it as well to our Lovejoy HS Graduate Profile and align our desired outcomes to the classes and vice versa.
We have been thrilled to start setting a standard in character education here in Texas. Thanks for all your help, thus far, in getting us there.
Please keep in touch and let us know how to improve, get additional training and take this to the next level.
- Michael Goddard, Ed. D. Principal - Lovejoy High School
My name is Billy Cottrill. I was using your Role Models curriculum at Beaufort high School's Freshman Academy this year. We loved it.
I am now the principal at a high school in West Virginia. We are about 90 miles west of Washington DC. We are starting a Freshman Academy
and would love to use your curriculum. Thanks!
- Billy Cottrill - Hampshire High School (WV)
(*** He is now using this at Point Pleasant High School)
I am committed to this course and your curriculum has been very useful, complete, and teacher friendly. Your visit and personalized books were very much appreciated. You made a positive impression on them for sure. I have been in education for over 30 years and I have never taught a course that has had the intrinsic relationships develop like the ones that occurred during this class. I have also never had anyone show the personal interest or caring towards the curriculum they developed like you have done. Thanks for all of the effort you made for the kids at A-P.
- Al Kerns, Teacher - Aplington-Parkersburg High (IA)
I just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your curriculum. Our students love it! And our administrators really like it as well, so we’ll be ordering some more work books soon. Thank you so much for all your help and creating such awesome curriculum!
- Jessica M. Wykstra - Fountain MIddle School (CO)
I simply can't express how wonderful my experience has been teaching your character curriculum. Just this morning, as my class was discussing Radio, one of the students commented, "This class could change the world." I realize he was exaggerating, but I believe his statement grew out of a genuine sense of profound understanding that the students regularly experience. The level of trust and respect in the class is unlike any I have taught.
I love teaching English, but it has taken me thirty-six years to find a curriculum that I truly feel passionate about. Like my student, I feel I can change the world--or at least my world.
Thank you for creating such a powerful course.
- Marsha Green, Teacher - Rosewood High School (NC)
First, I want to tell you how happy Bob and I are that we selected your program for our students! They are interested in the stories in the Role Models book and give an amazing amount of effort to completing the workbook assignments!
- Kathy Blood - Radnor High School (PA)
The overwhelming majority opinion amongst the freshman team seemed to be extremely positive about the results thus far. Many were excited about the level of conversation they have had with their classes and have used such phrases as "student’s craving to talk about character."
Thank you for everything.
- Richard Graviss, Associate Principal - Oldham County High School (KY)
I was very skeptical of the class at first, but it has really opened the eyes of some students that not only myself, but other teachers as well thought would be a waste of time. I now have students showing respect, using manners and showing promising signs of becoming a better student and a productive member of society through the development of their character. These kids were hand picked as at risk students to take this class and most had no idea what character even was let alone what it took to develop it. I feel it has made a big difference in the life of many of them. I look forward to continue helping these kids hopefully making a difference in their lives.
- Dewayne Brogan - Petersburg H.S. (WV)
What a great experience! This class was the most fun I have had in teaching since I started this profession. The curriculum and content is full of useful and applicable information that I felt kept the kids engrossed throughout the year. Thanks for all your help thus far.
- Ryan Mitchell - Lovejoy High (TX)
Our Character Leadership class is going great. Our teacher is doing a great job and I knew he would. Our students are loving the class. The one problem we are starting to have is everyone wants to take it now. I would like to keep numbers down and make it a class that has to be somewhat earned to take.
- Gary Flanigan, Counselor - Aplington-Parkersburg High (IA)
Hi Joe... We have had a very enjoyable time teaching our classes this year... This experience has been one of the highlights of my career in education and I thank you for developing a curriculum that has helped us change the lives of some of our students.
- Ted Daughtrey, Principal - Granby High School (VA)
This class is going great. I think the students appreciate the opportunity to talk about LIFE ISSUES and how to deal with them. Most days we run out of time before we run out of conversation. I think my biggest challenge has been trying to keep on track and moving on the next topic!
- Julie L. Queen, Spanish Teacher - Rosman High School (NC)z
Wow, I have really enjoyed your curriculum. I've had several students let me know already how it has changed their lives for the better. Thanks for taking the time and thought to put it all together.
You are making a difference! I do have to tell you, I'm working on getting more classes and am making the argument to the principal. Don't be surprised if you get a few more orders from Texas.
- Michael Todd, Teacher - Lewisville, TX
The teacher doing the program said she loves it! She said that it is very well laid out and the movie clips/role model chapters are very relevant and interesting. We are running the class as part of a trimester, and she said that she is not sure what unit to cut, because they all look so good. Maybe next year it can be run as a semester long course.
- JoEllen O'Keefe, Counselor - Tekonsha Community Schools (MI)
We are experiencing a great year. We are so excited about our Leadership initiative and have great teachers implementing this year’s program. Thanks for all of your help.
- Charlene Podolsky, Director - Ombudsman Charter Schools (AZ)
We run a block schedule of classes. Some weeks students have class twice and other weeks they have class three times. The class periods are eighty minutes long, so I've had to modify the Monday-Friday outline, but so far it is going well. The students have been very receptive and have enjoyed the activities and guest speakers. I feel the program, even in a modified form, will greatly benefit my students. Thanks for your help and for your great program.
- Melissa Harrison, Teacher - Bushnell-Prairie Junior High (IL)
I am excited to let you know that we are off and running with your curriculum. It has been great. The kids are very engaged in the videos and the readings, which have opened up great discussions and learning. The staff is buying into spending extra time on character education and it is great to see. Thanks again for putting it together for us and kids in general across the country.
- Trent Grundmeyer - Principal, Hampton-Dumont High School (IA)
Dr. Hoedel's character education curriculum is one of the few age appropriate high school curriculums available and our students buy in because he speaks their language. Students are excited about the movies and the role models that we discuss. Staff are impressed that we can address literacy concerns through the reading and writing projects. Dr. Hoedel has gone above and beyond to assist us as we adapted his program to fit our advisee program, and his curriculum provides everything our teachers need to do this with minimal time spent preparing.
- Rhonda Herrick - Bloomer HS (WI)
On a personal note, thank you very much for a wonderful curriculum. I love teaching this course. I can honestly say without hesitation this course has changed the lives of so many of my students.
- Caroline Brown, Teacher - East Gaston High School (NC)
We are thrilled with the curriculum because we are able to showcase the role models, watch clips of the videos, and do follow-up activities. We are using the curriculum in our Advisory Time. We have just used four units this year as our pilot year and then will be incorporating it into the freshmen and sophomore advisories next year. We have completed follow-up surveys after the activities and the students loved it - especially when working with the videos. Thank you for providing this valuable curriculum.
- Kim Bowen, Counselor - CPU High School (IA)
We have enjoyed using this curriculum. We do modify the order of the lesson plans, the time frame, etc. in order to meet our needs and issues. Thanks for all your help this year.
- Ann Brus, Guidance Counselor - Denison High School
The kids coming into JDC typically have very stressed and impoverished family backgrounds and are either starved for your attention or try to keep you as far away from knowing them as possible. What I enjoy about the lesson activities and lecture topics are the open ended discussion questions and the hypothetical scenarios that allow for the students to have a voice and share their opinion without judgment. They LOVE to be asked what they think or to be asked to create an argument for or against a topic.
This promotes WILLING student involvement which is a slice of heaven. In addition, many of the topics within the curriculum hit very close to home for our students, i.e. discussing self-control, loyalty, duty, and tolerance. Often times the discussion stemming from the activity or topic takes us down a really interesting road of healthy debating, the sharing of new perspectives, and story telling which is very healthy for these students. I am enjoying this curriculum and feel that most weekly topics can be adapted to fit a variety of student cultures and populations.
- Stephanie Doubet - Scott County Juvenile Detention (IA)
We are very pleased with our first year and we are currently looking for other ways to integrate your curriculum. I will continue to pass on good recommendations about your program to any counselors I come in contact with.
Angela Luttenegger, Counselor - Carlisle Middle School
We are having a great time teaching the class and the kids think it is the best class they have.
- Larry Teply, Principal - Diagonal Community High School
BTW -- I love the class and the freshmen are responding very favorably. Thanks again!
- Ken J. Slater, Principal - Galva-Holstein High School
Things are going well with the character and leadership curriculum. It was taught to a group for a semester, and now the teacher is working through the first five or six chapters for the second time. We will continue the curriculum next year and the next. You’ve created a good product, Dr. Hoedel, and I wish you the best in your continued marketing of it.
- Mike Siebersma, Principal - Clayton Ridge Middle School
I had to write to tell you how wonderful and beneficial I feel your program is for students but also for me to teach. I am the choral
music teacher at Starmount and teach 78 students everyday in 3 different classes. When I first looked at your material and read the
content I was overwhelmed with how important it is for students to hear this subject matter. I love teaching music and teaching
teenagers but I have loved teaching your Character & Leadership class. This is the best of both worlds I could give them. Thank
you for your hard work and providing an excellent avenue for young people to learn life lessons.
- Brenda Hollyfield, Choral Director - Starmount HS
The class went very well--- it ended up only being a 9 week class-- the kids enjoyed the lessons and particularly enjoyed the
readings--- which was very surprising to me!! The curriculum is great!!!
- Jonathan Sidden - North Forsyth High School
My name is Janelle Odinga and I am a secondary education major at Michigan State University. I first became familiar with
your program while volunteering at an alternative high school in Lansing last year. Since then, I've done a lot of reading
about it and I am amazed. I just wanted to drop you a quick line and let you know how excited I am to share this program
with other people. Thank you for addressing some of the most critical issues that are facing young students today. I can't
wait to have this in my own classroom.
- Janelle Odinga
With this book Joe Hoedel continues his mission to reinvigorate character in today's youth. This is an excellent follow
up to his Character Education and Leadership course. An interesting read that captures the essence of Character with role
models our youth can identify with and emulate.
-
Commander Bill Schreiber
Teacher, Newton-Conver High School
Dr. Hoedel has done an exceptional job of presenting a wide array of role models for students. His biographies include
17 contemporary heroes and heroines paired with 17 character traits. He illuminates each biography and does a great job of
weaving their life stories into life lessons! Teachers will love his built-in quizzes that accompany each chapter!
-
Margo Means
Teacher, Pender Learning Center
Dr. Hoedel has discovered a unique way to relate to todays' students.
Connecting role models with key character traits, along with a brief biography, is a very effective way to reach todays'
youth. Sports, military, and human interest stories are included with lessons that will keep students reading this book,
and learning.
-
Buddy Popps
Teacher, Harper Creek High School
When I began reading the new textbook to my students, I did not know what to expect. I looked around my class and noticed
all eyes on me, with several of those eyes welling up with tears. In these chaotic times, students need to connect with someone
positive. This new book allows students to connect with role models from the past and present, helping them to understand the
difference between right and wrong.
-
Beth McDonough
Teacher, Smithfield Selma High School
Dr. Hoedel has provided a tremendous service to those of us who believe character education has an important place in the
public school. His book describes a series of individuals, both historical and modern, whose actions personify one of eighteen
positive character traits he deems important for today's society. He has chosen well. Students will quickly relate to Dr.
Hoedel's choice of individuals, and will easily see the connections to their own lives. In a society that seems to offer so
few positive examples for today's student, this book will serve as a much needed guide as to why it is important to 'do the
right thing.' I plan to make this book required reading for the students in my high school Ethics and Leadership classes.
-
Dr. Bill Reid
Teacher, West Johnston High School
Dr. Hoedel has identified some true role models for all of us and places the definition of "role model" and "leader" in
wonderful perspective. This book enlightens and challenges the reader like few books can. This is a fantastic book for anyone
and everyone ~ students, teachers, administrators and parents alike.
-
Charlie Abourjilie
NC's Character Education Coordinator
This is exactly what adolescents need to be reading in school. This book raises the bar for our youth, inspiring them to reach
their full potential. We all need role models and this book provides 17 outstanding people to look up to and emulate.
-
Harold Smith, principal
Parkland High School
Teaching this class is exactly why I went into this profession. I can actually see the students begin to consider their own character and what
leadership potentials hide behind the teenage facade they put up each day. And we're only at the end of the first marking period! Watching
students grow as people and seeing various educational skills (public speaking, writing, critical thinking, organizing, reading) develop as
well is a dream come true for any teacher.
- Terese Ewing (South Central High School)
It’s wonderful to see students in an atmosphere that teaches them to think critically. Many students measure their success by being able to
pass a test. This curriculum not only benefits students academically but it is a blueprint to help them to become better people. It is learning
process for me as well as my students.
- Dwain Waddell (High Point Central High School)
The Character Development and Leadership Curriculum is phenomenal. The program is beneficial because the material ties into what the kids are going thru -
from their community to the classroom. I have to say my favorite component is the weekly ethical dilemmas. The dilemmas allow the kids to dig deep and
really think about making the right decisions. The fact that each kid must stand up and present to the class, builds confidence. Being a new employee and
fresh out of College, I feel very lucky to be able to use this material.
- Joe Edwards Catawba County Teen Up Program
Dr. Hoedel has begun to address one of the most serious problems of our time--The American male is failing miserably in their traditional and crucial role
as family members and responsible members of society.Because of this problem that debilitates our families,our work force,and our schools;we are dealing with
a generation of males raised by women.If we do not stop accepting this problem as a natural "fact of life",we are doomed to live in a society of males that
feel no responsibility for anything.
- Dr. Michael Allred (principal of Thomasville High School)
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