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
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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