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Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences That Impact a Lifetime
In Personal & Authentic , Thomas C. Murray reveals the power of designing awe-inspiring experiences that are grounded in relationships and learner-centered by design. Inherently relevant and contextualized, it is this kind of learning that lasts a lifetime. “After you read this book, you will become a better teacher and leader—and if not, you might want to read it again!” — Salome Thomas-EL , award-winning principal, speaker, and author
“One of the most helpful, heartfelt, and unassuming stories I’ve ever read.” — Brad Gustafson, EdD , national distinguished principal and best-selling author
“The story always wins. The most impactful learning has always been personal and authentic. Murray does a masterful job of weaving both the gripping story of educators and the opportunities for them to increase their impact on students.” — Joe Sanfelippo, PhD , superintendent, author, and speaker
“Teachers will finish this book feeling inspired and empowered to continue the important work we are called to do.” — Luisa Palomo Hare , kindergarten teacher, 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
“One of the most helpful, heartfelt, and unassuming stories I’ve ever read.” — Brad Gustafson, EdD , national distinguished principal and best-selling author
“The story always wins. The most impactful learning has always been personal and authentic. Murray does a masterful job of weaving both the gripping story of educators and the opportunities for them to increase their impact on students.” — Joe Sanfelippo, PhD , superintendent, author, and speaker
“Teachers will finish this book feeling inspired and empowered to continue the important work we are called to do.” — Luisa Palomo Hare , kindergarten teacher, 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
216 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2019
8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 10, 2020
Thomas C. Murray was a keynote speaker at a conference I attended and I won this book as a door prize. It is a great addition to the professional section of my library as Tom discusses the importance of relationships; a focus in my school. In addition to many personal stories, including ones he shared during his keynote speech, this book includes tips from other educators to "make it stick," reflection questions, and ideas to try in your own educational setting. I would recommend this book to any educator who wants practical advice to improve their impact on the students or professionals they serve. I HIGHLY recommend attending an event where you can hear Tom speak in person!
March 9, 2020
Personal & Authentic by Murray, Thomas.
Review by Jacob D. LeBlanc, Ed. D.- Principal of Katy Junior High in Katy ISD (Texas).
From the inception of education, we have been familiar with these three R’s: Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic! That was then, this is now. The new Three “R’s” have taken over; Relationships, Relationships, Relationships! This is in no way saying that the originals are not important by any means. Simply, with the type of students in schools today, it’s impossible to teach many unless a relationship is built.
Tom’s book is a How-To providing a roadmap to building Personal and Authentic relationships (Is there truly any other kind?) to enhance one’s ability to maximize the potential in every student that walks into one’s classroom or school. He does this by sharing his experiences as an educator; the good, the bad and the ugly! His vulnerability would make Brene’ Brown proud. His vulnerability also gives his work credibility.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new educator, Personal and Authentic could serve as a launching point for one to enhance those “soft skills” so essential in today’s schools and in society in general, related to building personal and authentic relationships. These skills are not only missing in schools, but they are missing in society in general. How powerful would it be of every student left school with this soft skill in tact?
Not only is the book relevant and enjoyable, it also resourceful in creating and/or enhancing school/classroom culture. His website includes the following items for each of the seven chapters: Stop and Reflect Study Guide Questions, Stop and Reflect Cards, Chapter Quotes and many other video and research resources. This is a one-stop opportunity to “set the bar” for the upcoming school year.
As a building principal for nearly 20 years, it is always a goal to plan for exciting, meaningful professional development each and every year. Thanks to Tom, all the planning for a huge piece of my beginning-of-the-year PD has been done. All I have to do is supply my faculty the books!
If you are searching for something that could change a veteran educator’s life or get a young teacher started or back on track, Personal & Authentic is the book to use! Best of luck and happy
Review by Jacob D. LeBlanc, Ed. D.- Principal of Katy Junior High in Katy ISD (Texas).
From the inception of education, we have been familiar with these three R’s: Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic! That was then, this is now. The new Three “R’s” have taken over; Relationships, Relationships, Relationships! This is in no way saying that the originals are not important by any means. Simply, with the type of students in schools today, it’s impossible to teach many unless a relationship is built.
Tom’s book is a How-To providing a roadmap to building Personal and Authentic relationships (Is there truly any other kind?) to enhance one’s ability to maximize the potential in every student that walks into one’s classroom or school. He does this by sharing his experiences as an educator; the good, the bad and the ugly! His vulnerability would make Brene’ Brown proud. His vulnerability also gives his work credibility.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new educator, Personal and Authentic could serve as a launching point for one to enhance those “soft skills” so essential in today’s schools and in society in general, related to building personal and authentic relationships. These skills are not only missing in schools, but they are missing in society in general. How powerful would it be of every student left school with this soft skill in tact?
Not only is the book relevant and enjoyable, it also resourceful in creating and/or enhancing school/classroom culture. His website includes the following items for each of the seven chapters: Stop and Reflect Study Guide Questions, Stop and Reflect Cards, Chapter Quotes and many other video and research resources. This is a one-stop opportunity to “set the bar” for the upcoming school year.
As a building principal for nearly 20 years, it is always a goal to plan for exciting, meaningful professional development each and every year. Thanks to Tom, all the planning for a huge piece of my beginning-of-the-year PD has been done. All I have to do is supply my faculty the books!
If you are searching for something that could change a veteran educator’s life or get a young teacher started or back on track, Personal & Authentic is the book to use! Best of luck and happy
January 3, 2020
I highly recommend this book for teachers and administrators! Thomas weaves incredible tales of experiences that have entered into his career in education and then sprinkles them with ideas/concepts/resources that would be very beneficial for others. I can't say enough about the three elements that are interspersed in each chapter, "Stop and Reflect," "Try This," and "A Closer Look." The genius in adding these is that the reader is encouraged to reflect, dive deeper and assimilate what they have read into their long-term processing of content. Be sure to take a minute and follow the hyperlink at the end of each chapter for additional resources. As your school's or district's book study group focus on this book the items will be extremely helpful. From the Foreward, written by Inky Johnson, to the sincerely, thoughtful acknowledgments it is clear that Thomas C. Murray has a message to share in this book that none of us should miss out on reading.
July 26, 2020
With a focus on relationships, culture, and legacy, Tom captures what being learner-centered is all about.
This masterfully crafted book is filled with inspiring personal stories and practitioner vignettes. It also empowers with high-impact strategies and an abundance of resources.
Leveraging his own experiences as well as the experiences of fellow practitioners, Murray is extremely thoughtful and intentional, providing a framework for the essential elements in learning which are often overlooked or not prioritized.
A must read for all educators!
This masterfully crafted book is filled with inspiring personal stories and practitioner vignettes. It also empowers with high-impact strategies and an abundance of resources.
Leveraging his own experiences as well as the experiences of fellow practitioners, Murray is extremely thoughtful and intentional, providing a framework for the essential elements in learning which are often overlooked or not prioritized.
A must read for all educators!
June 29, 2021
Good book for educators that will inspire and cause reflection on your teaching practice. Murray uses personal stories that tug at the heart strings to discuss his own journey at being personal and authentic in his career and everyday relationships. I also like the stop and reflect sections in the book. This book definitely had me reflecting on my teaching practices and how I can improve and design an authentic learning environment and experience for my students.
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November 28, 2020Awesome book for educators.
October 14, 2024
There are many personal stories and lots of encouragement for educators. I struggled to connect to this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews