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praise for
Personal & Authentic
“In Personal & Authentic, Tom Murray taps into some of the deepest emotions we all share and know are essential as educators and parents. He helps us to focus on the relationships that we develop with children and adults, the self-reflection that we learn quickly is so important, and the impact we make on our schools and communities. 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. Thomas C. Murray sets a new standard for what it means to be Personal & Authentic. This is the book educators will be telling their friends, mentees, and future generations of educators about.”
—Brad Gustafson, national distinguished principal and best-selling author
“As educators, we often are so busy doing the intricate, intentional work of good teaching that we don’t allow ourselves time to stop and reflect on the larger impact of our profession. Personal & Authentic gives us this much-needed time while weaving in space for reflection, suggestions from fellow educators, as well as easy-to-implement practical tips for all educators. 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
“In his inspirational book, Tom Murray helps educators make the connection between personal and authentic experiences through the power of storytelling. This philosophy sets the foundation for meeting the needs of students by building equitable opportunities for success. As Tom eloquently demonstrates in this book, in order for fundamental change to occur, one must remember it is all about fostering meaningful relationships first—everything else comes second!”
—Basil Marin, high school assistant principal, Georgia
“Wow! What an awesome source of inspiration, motivation, and hope for the future of our humans (students) and all those leaders in the education ecosystem that will have an impact on them. Personal & Authentic is a perfect description of this book, as Tom engages both the mind and the heart—making every word and interaction count. This book is for everyone! Tom's journey and lessons along the way will have you both in tears and laughing out loud. Give Personal & Authentic as a gift to yourself and share it widely! Thank you, Tom, for showing us the power of vulnerability and authenticity in this deeply personal connection to building a lifetime of impact.”
—David Miyashiro, superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District, California
“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. The text takes the reader on an emotional ride but also provides the challenge and resources to get better. The ideas jump off the page and will help anyone rediscover both the why and how to improve their space. This book is an essential piece of every educator’s toolbox and one I know I’ll go back to often.”
—Joe Sanfelippo, PhD, superintendent, author, and speaker
“Murray has created yet another resource for teachers looking to make schools more impactful for students. Personal & Authentic not only demonstrates why our schools need to be built around what is best for each child but also gives the tools and strategies to get it done.”
—Josh Stumpenhorst, high school librarian, 2012 Illinois Teacher of the Year
"This book had me crying, laughing, and feeling inspired to work with students and teachers. When we think about the work we do each and every day, it can connect on such a deeper level when it includes the personal and authentic pieces of the human experience. As Murray says, 'Every child in our schools is someone else's whole world.' We have the opportunity to provide unique opportunities to each and every student!"
—A.J. Juliani, director of learning and innovation, author, and founder of the PBL Academy
“Students yearn for a learning experience that resonates with them on many levels. The time is now to usher in the needed change in this area so that school means something to those it is designed to serve. Tom Murray takes you on an emotional roller coaster where you will see firsthand why a shift to more relevant techniques will benefit kids now and in the future.”
—Eric Sheninger, NASSP digital principal and senior fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education
“Tom Murray takes you on a roller coaster of emotions throughout his book, Personal & Authentic. His heartfelt message of connection, empathy, and the need for equal opportunities for all students will leave you, regardless of your role in education, feeling inspired and wanting to do more for all kids. This book will touch the very depth of your core and remind you that every day is an opportunity to change the trajectory of a student’s life. A must-read for all schools!”
—Jimmy Casas, educator, author, speaker, leadership coach
“What a privilege it was to read this book! As a fan of Tom Murray's work, I knew his newest endeavor would be great, but what I didn't expect was to find it chock-full of stories, social science, and surprises. Educators—at least those who want to ‘move’ people—should own this book. Finding a book for my teachers that can be easily learned from, regardless of their setting, grade level, or subject matter, is priceless . . . the only qualifier for reading is that that you have a heart and passion for kids.”
—Amber Teamann, principal, author, speaker
“Tom Murray has found a way to weave heart-tugging stories, connected to research, and practical tips that can provide a profound impact on education today. Personal & Authentic will leave a lasting imprint on how you lead at school, home, and in life.”
—Jessica Cabeen, nationally distinguished principal, author, and speaker
“The perfect title for a leader who ‘practices what he preaches,’ Tom Murray’s latest book Personal & Authentic that Impact a Lifetime captures what we are all looking for as educators: a powerful approach to achieving success at both the classroom and district level. The book serves as an exemplary overview for achieving both personalization and authenticity in our schools and classrooms.”
—Suzanne Lacey, EdD, superintendent, Talladega County Schools, Alabama
“Personal & Authentic is a story from the heart. Tom Murray shares powerful stories from his teaching career as he conveys the importance of educating the whole child. I encourage anyone in the education field to read this book. The message resonates with teachers, leaders, and everyone involved in a school by inspiring everyone to get to know the kids, let them tell their story, and, above all else, show them you care.”
—Jerry Almendarez, superintendent, Colton Joint Unified School District, California
“Tom Murray has poured his heart and soul into Personal & Authentic. This book is filled with compelling stories and examples that will inspire you to create learner-centered experiences that ensure students are equipped to not only succeed in school but lead meaningful lives. In a time when many educators are asked to do more than ever, this book serves as a powerful reminder about why our work matters and how we can prioritize the experiences that bring out the best in
