Education Humanely Applied presents positive ways to improve the educational experiences for students. Schools do not need to use punishment to get students to learn and develop into the citizens they will be when they join the workforce or simply become adults in society. The author offers alternatives to the punitive system that she has used, and her staff has used. She and her staff improved student behavior without using isolation punishments, like suspensions and expulsions.

This book supports educators as they present lessons that accommodate student learning styles. Teachers who use student-centered learning and project learning open up opportunities that teacher-centered learning may not provide. Change is difficult for a significant number of people, especially when what they have “always done” seem to “work” for them.

Dr. Phillips has personally experienced the difficult process educators go through when challenged with major district changes. She has also witnessed the positive results of major humane changes for teachers and staff when they truly feel professional and better able to teach every student. Humane changes resulted in positive results for students, as well. The huge reduction in student behavior referrals impressed teachers and parents. Dr. Phillips is grateful to join other educators in sharing her experiences with this constantly growing movement that more schools are adopting every year. Flexible scheduling and student-centered learning are key components that are providing amazing results.

The results of replacing punitive treatment toward both students and teachers has the potential of keeping more students and teachers in school, graduating more students. As a result, we will see a reduction of homelessness, unemployment, crime, drug addiction, mental health issues, and frustrated teachers leaving the system. More successful graduates who feel confident, respected, and ready to join society will change our nation for the better.