At Appleton East High School, this book club is for the staff. More than 20 educators are learning from one another as they read and discuss The Will to Learn by Dave Stuart Jr., a book about boosting student motivation.
Both general and special education teachers meet after school to explore the power of genuine relationships and the need for a strong academic foundation. “You can’t assume students know the basics,” one said. “You have to tell them.” The book’s “socks and shoes” example illustrates this – just as an effective coach ensures players put on socks the correct way to prevent blisters during the game, teachers must start with the basics before building on content.
Participants find the dynamic group valuable for problem-solving, sharing strategies and supporting one another. In 2024, the Appleton Education Foundation awarded more than $9,000 in professional development grants, reinforcing its commitment to empowering educators and improving student outcomes.
This story first appeared in AEF’s 2024 Report to the Community in March 2025. Review the complete 2024 Report to the Community.
