Speak Up for a Child

This book is built on the power of story. Jeanne Strong’s memoir is an alive, inspiring testament to what happens when we follow our calling, reflecting deeply upon the journey every step of the way. At a time when teachers are buffeted by requirements that may have little to do with children and their learning, her book can help us remember why we went into teaching in the first place. Her tender wisdom will provide inspiration and practical support to anyone passionate about education, learning and empowering the next generation. The core principles derived from Jeanne’s lifelong commitment to children can be applied anywhere in our world—a world so in need of a revolution in how we engage and nurture the potential of young people everywhere.

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“In Speak Up for a Child, Jeanne Strong has elegantly captured her lifelong work on behalf of the children of the world. We share a commitment to undoing injustice, a belief in the importance of educational leadership, a passion for children and learners of all ages, and the belief that we do indeed “teach who we are.” By telling her story, Jeanne invites others who also work on behalf of children, to reflect on how their own personal and professional identities can form or deform the lives of children. She inspires me to listen more deeply to myself and to the voices of the many whose lives I touch.”

—John Morefield, Educational Consultant

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“This book is built on the power of story. Jeanne uses personal narrative to reflect on her own values and how they have informed her practice as a teacher. In the process she invites us to remember our own particular stories as a way to reconnect with the values underlying who we are as teachers and learners. At a time when teachers are buffeted by requirements that may have little to do with children and their learning, this book can help us remember why we went into teaching in the first place.

“As a teacher of both adults and children there have always been times of discouragement. At these moments, I often turn to a favorite book to remind myself of the importance of paying attention to the children and relationships that form the core of teaching and learning. Speak Up for a Child will become one of these anchor books for me.”

—Nancy Place, Associate Director and Professor,
University of Washington, Bothell

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“Jeanne Strong’s memoir is an alive, inspiring testament to the power of story and to what happens when we follow our calling, reflecting deeply upon the journey every step of the way. This book’s tender wisdom will provide inspiration and practical support to anyone passionate about education, learning and empowering the next generation. The core principles derived from Jeanne’s lifelong commitment to children can be applied anywhere in our world—a world so in need of a revolution in how we engage and nurture the potential of young people everywhere.”

—Charlie Murphy, CEO,
Partners for Youth Empowerment (PYE Global)

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“I am at a loss to put into words what I want to say, for Jeanne has captured the essence of teaching and learning and indeed what it means to be human. Her innate ability to perceive children for who they are and her reflection on her own experiences as a child surface the wondrous gifts she brings to the world of teaching and learning. She understands that the complexity of being a child is no less profound than that of any adult. Her writing speaks eloquently to the knowledge that our physical presence and body language speaks much louder than any words we may utter. Jeanne has put into words those intangible teacher qualities that create the deep partnership between a teacher and student—so necessary for magic to occur for all learners. Her stories make this a must-read for any educator, and most especially essential for new teachers.”

—Anita Garcia Morales, Educator and Community Activist

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“In the tradition of Sylvia Ashton Warner, George Dennison, and Vivian Paley, Jeanne Strong weaves the compelling story of her lifetime in teaching, beginning with harrowing stories of her childhood in China through finding a post-retirement calling to serve students and teachers in a village in Uganda. With her telling, she calls each of us to contribute to the well-being of children.”

—Terry Chadsey, Executive Director,
Center for Courage & Renewal

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“In my role as advocate for youth in foster care, I found this book thought provoking and at the same time a confirmation of my own beliefs about children and their needs. Every week I witnessed examples of what Jeanne writes about, underscoring the critical importance of Jeanne Strong’s message about the need to value, respect and honor children. As adults, we are reminded to be kind and careful stewards of this invaluable human treasure.”

—Carla Grau-Egerton, CASA Program Manager

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“Jeanne reminds us all, in Speak Up for a Child that children are not little objects, but very real human beings making sense of the world in very reasonable ways. When we, as adults, (literally) look over their heads, we miss important information and miss connecting with them. Jeanne not only listens deeply to but also advocates for children in a way that supports them, that helps them sense their own value and empowers them to be the full human beings that they can be. We can all learn from her example.”

—Jody McVittie, MD, Certified Positive Discipline Lead Trainer