Compiled by two former educators, Relate, Then Educate contains the firsthand stories of sixteen seasoned educators’ professional hurdles and personal moments of heartbreak and joy.

To be an educator is to be thrown into the classroom without much practical training. Young teachers can languish for years without knowing if they’re “doing it right,” and, despite the wealth of tactical curriculum resources available, the intangible needs of educators often go overlooked and unmet. Former educators Rick Holmes and Andrea Avey understand this perspective well; they collected the stories within Relate, Then Educate for teachers seeking experienced insight and support as they decide the trajectory of their career. 

This unbiased collection of candid and approachable experiences are written to challenge, inspire, correct, and console teachers—and humans—who need direction. It features stories of unthinkable tragedy, like the tragic death of a student midyear, and rich rewards, like lifelong friendships with students. Relate, Then Educate breaks down each teacher’s story into three segments: their path into education, a defining moment in their career, and an instructional best practice.