A Case for Kindness

"With a prosecutor’s precision, Steve Broidy prevails in A Case for Kindness: A New Look at the Teaching Ethic in arguing for a kindness-oriented teaching ethic (KOTE) by systematically unpacking its definition, construct, components for moral decision-making, how it is operationalized, and ultimately its connection to American educational ideals. While new definitions of kindness are likely to arise and prove ephemeral in nature, given the simplicity with which Broidy writes, A Case for Kindness will surely stand the test of time as the definitive guidebook on kindness. . . . Upon reflection, the reader will be convinced that Broidy has effectively made a case for kindness as a teaching ethic that serves as fuel for student-teacher relationships. The five chapters in A Case for Kindness elegantly frame the argument for kindness as a teaching ethic and offer renewed clarity about a term whose meaning we all thought we knew. Broidy’s methodical approach to unearthing kindness will help educational stakeholders reconsider how it is comprised, manifested, and how it functions as an essential building block of democracy as an educational ideal. Kindness. Never has such a little word commanded such analytical diligence." (Click HERE to read full review.)

"The right book at the right time. Broidy offers readers a scholarly examination of kindness, both sociologically and educationally. In our current era of increasing tribalism and unkindness – exhibited daily on the evening news, Broidy offers a path forward toward more healthy classrooms and a more deliberative society by mapping a direct link between kindness, immediacy and democracy."

Phil Kelly, Ph.D., Professor Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies, Boise State University

"All educators are familiar with the power of kindness in the teaching-learning process. So much of our success depends on the quality of the student-teacher relationship. Classrooms and schools like personal relationships have marked boundaries and our ability to transcend those boundaries is greatly enhanced by kindness. This book helps makes the argument of why this is so and why our attention to kindness goes to the heart of moral education. Diverting our attention from this topic lessens what it means to be human and humane."

Paul Wangemann, Ph.D., Associate Professor David O. McKay School of Education, Brigham Young University

"Steve Broidy’s A Case For Kindness is a convincing call for the development and cultivation of kindness in the classroom. He provides careful contextualization and clear definition of just what kindness is and how it should form a teaching ethic. All sorts of teachers can benefit from reading and considering Broidy’s much-needed and thoughtful book."

Christopher Beckham, Ph.D., Instructor, Foundational and Graduate Studies in Education, Morehead State University

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1. Education, Ethics, and Kindness

Chapter 2. The Meaning of Kindness

Chapter 3. Sensibility and the Logic of Ethical Judgment

Chapter 4. Developing a Kindness-oriented Teaching Ethic

Chapter 5. Kindness and the Democratic Ideal

References

Biography

Steve Broidy

Dr. Broidy is an emeritus professor of education at both Missouri State University and Wittenberg University. He lives with his wife Susan, a sculptor, on 3 ½ acres in Southwest Ohio. He is the author of Earth Inside Them, a poetry chapbook; and editor/contributor of From the Tower: Poetry in Honor of Conrad Balliet. Dr. Broidy has two children—one a chiropractor in Missouri and the other a wine importer/distributor in California.