The Together Leader
"For nearly fifteen years I've learned alongside Meredith and Rebekah, and I continue to learn from them through the pages of this book. They interweave their personal journeys with practical tips for educators in a way that truly gets to the heart of the matter: it's all about purpose. Teacher educators, teachers, and school leaders alike will identify, reflect, and improve their practice by engaging with the personal stories and reflective prompts in this book."
--Kristen Hawley Turner, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Teacher Education, Drew University
"This book is truly an inspiration to anyone fortunate enough to read it. The insightful advice, relatable experiences shared, and the encouragement and resources offered to overcome obstacles, make it applicable and useful for all educators--at any level in their careers. Through tears, smiles, and head nods in agreement, there is no doubt that this book will help unlock your 'why' and motivate you to grow as an educator."
--Shelby Sprung, Special education teacher, P94m
"Teachers, leaders, and anyone who works in education will benefit from Educating with Passion and Purpose: Keep the Fire Going without Burning Out. The stories, wisdom, and reflective activities will support educators to sustain and evolve throughout their career."
--Alexis Goldberg, Managing Director of School Support, The Urban Assembly
"Reading Meredith and Rebekah's stories reminded me not only of what I loved about learning in the classroom everyday with students, but also that this daily work is something I believe to be sacrosanct and the leader's duty to support and protect. When you are a district leader, it's easy to get caught up in the daily political and operational work that doesn't feel quite so sacred; reading their powerful narratives has inspired me to reconnect to my 'why' and to try and ground my daily work more explicitly with it in mind. This book could not have come at a better time."
--Carolyn Yaffe, Executive Director of Valley Charter Schools, California
"With the engaging voices of experienced teachers and leaders, the authors provide an insightful and pragmatic guide for educators who are questioning their purpose or facing burnout."
--Marshall A. George, Olshan Professor of Clinical Practice at Hunter College of the City University of New York
"Rebekah and Meredith provide a candid look at preventing and healing from teacher burnout and do so through personal story-telling that will draw you in in a deeply captivating way and will provide current and future educators with specific and equitable strategies to combat a very real problem in our field. Educators at all levels should pick up this book and learn from the infinite wisdom!"
--Carlos Beato, Ed.D., Co-Director of Next Generation Learning Challenges
"In the midst of a national teacher shortage, Matson and Shoaf provide a critical contribution to the discussion about how we retain, sustain, and reinvigorate educators -- by reconnecting with their purpose! Educators from the district office to the classroom should take note of these practical ideas for transforming experience and avoiding burnout."
--Jeffrey Garrett, Founder of JM Garrett Learning Group and Sr. Vice President of Leadership Development, The Partnership for Los Angeles, Schools
"In Educating with Passion and Purpose, Matson and Shoaf combine their extensive experience to create an invaluable resource for teachers and the leaders who support them. This book combines the power of personal narrative with practical reflection exercises and resources to help teachers build careers, curriculums, and communities grounded in purpose and filled with passion."
--Ivelisse Ramos Brannon, Former High School English Teacher, Curricular Consultant, and Ph.D. Student at Harvard University
"A thoughtful, heartfelt, and comprehensive guide--I'll be giving to every teacher I know."
--Jessica Murnane, Author of One Part Plant and Know Your Endo
"With compelling personal narratives and a plethora of practical suggestions, these veteran teacher-leaders provide educators at all levels practical and valuable examples of how to maintain energy and commitment in the classroom. Given the post-Covid education landscape, this book is required reading for everyone working in schools."
--Bil Johnson, Retired Public School Teacher Educator and author of The Student-Centered Classroom Handbook and Right Time, Right Places
"As former teacher, school founder and district administrator, I can honestly say that I've not read a book that more clearly, succinctly and powerfully provides a framework for both the struggle and possibility that exists in education. This should be required reading for everyone in the field, as it realistically regrounds the work in purpose and passion, while acknowledging the challenges."
--David Weinberg, Former New York City School Founder
"The question of how to develop and retain educators represents one of the most pressing challenges facing education today. Weaving their personal stories into generalizable insights about the nature of teaching and learning, Matson and Shoaf create opportunities for each reader to reflect on their passions, while reconnecting us to our common sense of purpose as educators and reigniting our belief in the power of education for all students. Educating for Passion and Purpose is a must read for every educator who seeks to rekindle the flame fueling our professional capacities as stewards of tomorrow's leaders."
--David Adams, Chief Executive Officer, The Urban Assembly
