For the Children: Lessons from a Visionary Principal

By Madeline Cartwright

An extraordinary principal describes her work in a troubled elementary school in Philadelphia's most devastated, drug-laden community; explains how she transformed the school; and shares her secrets... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385423721
• ISBN13: 9780385423724
• Release Date: August 1993
• Publisher: Doubleday
• Length: 257 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.0" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Inspiring for All

This book should be a must read for all of educators but especially those working with our inner-city youth. It is practically my bible of teaching. There are so many things our students need to succeed and Cartwright meets those basic needs. When basic needs are met and children, parents, and staff feel proud of who they are, many great things can happen. I have been talking about how wonderful and inspiring this book is for years.

For the Children: Lessons from a visionary principal

For The Children is an inspiring story about a principal who saw more than just a run down community and school. Madeline Cartwright saw something special in children that people had written off. She believed in students that no one even gave a chance to. I first read this book when I decided to get my degree in Elementary Education. After reading the book I knew that I wanted to teach in an inner city school. My heart has always been to reach out to those no one believes in, and this book helped me see that ONE person can light a fire in a child. I have now graduated and have had an opportunity to teach in an inner city school. While I was there I always remembered how Madeline Cartwright said that the children were numb to the sounds of the sirens that passed everyday, but that she was not. I too was surprised when I would be the only one to turn around when I heard the sirens and my children in the class would continue to work or play as if nothing was heard. Like Madeline Cartwright, I would push my children to do their best, even when they cried, but the when they all lived up to the expectations we would celebrate. I read the book again just this week, and as read it I realized that the book had really helped me understand the children, the parents, and the environment in which they live. I also have made it a point to keep lotion, wet wipes, and extra clothes in the class so the children will always look good. I make a point to hug my students or show them some kind of affection through out the day, because just as Madeline says in the book, "that hug or pat may be the only sign of affection they get." This book is awesome to read! Anyone going into education or anyone teaching now should read this book, and keep in mind that -WE ARE HERE FOR THE CHILDREN.