A Summing Up

“There is a distinct difference between knowledge and wisdom. Many educational books address facts, information, and skills deemed best practice—the knowledge of our profession. But wisdom requires deep understanding, insightfulness, and good judgment regarding how to best apply what we know. A Summing Up is a book of true wisdom. Using his own journey as the backdrop, Bob Eaker provides context to the major educational research movements of the past fifty years and describes how leveraging this knowledge with practitioner experience led to the creation of the PLC at Work process. It is a wonderfully personal story, written with humor and humility. If I could, I would make this book required reading for every educator.”

“Eaker offers that rare combination of practical insight, moral imperative, and personal inspiration to help every educator and leader through the challenging and rewarding years ahead. These pages will generate gratitude, enthusiasm, and hope—precisely what our profession needs.”

“When thinking of Bob Eaker, I recall my son’s description of his life-changing science teacher: ‘He knows a lot, teaches a lot, makes the subject interesting, and is a nice person.’ To that perfect description I add that Bob listens to and affirms others and has not let his success define him. Bob has been an inspiration to me and thousands of educators; with this book, he continues to educate and inspire.”

“Bob Eaker is recognized the world over as a titan of the education profession, but to me, he will always be Dr. Bob, the generous, kind, and thoughtful man who shared the same vision for the future of education as my father, Rick DuFour. Together they helped change the lives of countless administrators, teachers, and students around the world. More than that, the two men were the very best of friends who also changed each other’s lives for the better along the way. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had a front-row seat to much of the personal and professional evolution described within this book.”