“Teaching social science is at its best meant assisting students in making connections across time and place, both seeking common humanity and coming to understand broad historical and political forces. ”

“A good education helps us make sense of the world and find our way in it”

“We bus to avoid integrating our housing, underscoring the fact that we continually ask our schools to do what we can't seem to do in other domains of our society.”

“As individuals we are uniquely defined, but within our human experiences (successes, failures, and heartaches) we are connected by a common thread.”

“The number of books students read...is among the best indicators of student reading development.”

“The most powerful demonstration of leadership is not a clenched fist of brute force but an open hand of humble assistance.”

“I know what it's like. I've seen it played out a zillion times. You're waiting for that magical day when someone makes the connection and recognizes who you really are. Maybe they'll first catch the sparkle in your eye. Or perhaps they'll marvel at your insights and the depth of your spirit. Someone who will help you connect the dots, believe in yourself, and make sense of it all. Someone who will understand you, approve of you, and unhesitatingly give you a leg up so that life can pluck your ready, ripened self from the branch of magnificence. Well, I'm here to tell you, your wait is over. That someone, is you.”