As an educator and digital learning specialist in public and private schools for two decades, Alaniz seeks to inspire school administrators and current and future educators who want to impact students positively. In a world where fewer and fewer educators view their profession as lifelong, Alaniz provides practical teaching strategies, compelling anecdotes, and recommendations to support teachers in transforming the learning process. She presents a groundbreaking approach to education, “Strengths-Based Teaching,” which shifts the focus from weaknesses to strengths, empowering educators to create a transformative learning environment. With her years of experience and passion for student-centered teaching, she inspires fellow educators to embrace a strengths-based approach that celebrates the unique talents of all students. She demonstrates how a strengths-based approach enhances academic achievement and fosters social-emotional development and resilience in students. This is a must read for educators who desire to transform student lives by nurturing the whole individual and empowering them to reach their full potential. Highly recommended. Undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

Choice Reviews

In her book, A Learning Community Built on Strengths: Inspiring Educators to Positively Impact Student Lives, Dr. Katie Alaniz challenges ideas and advocates the recognition of individual strengths of teachers and students as the foundation for high quality educational outcomes. This change in paradigm allows teachers and students to build upon what they do well and helps them engage in learning. In this strengths-based paradigm, the engagement of the learner increases, and individuals are more willing to invest in activities that strengthen weaknesses. Dr. Alaniz makes an eloquent case and specific recommendations to help educators transform the learning process from one that expects some to fail to one that expects even the most reluctant learner to experience success.

James McSwain, Consultant, International Baccalaureate; Adjunct Faculty Member, Houston Baptist University; Retired Area Superintendent, Houston ISD; Former High School Principal, Texarkana ISD

Every educator understands that the needs of students are changing, and they must continue to revise and adapt their teaching strategies to prepare students for their future. Dr. Katie Alaniz offers a variety of strategies - most critically a highly collaborative approach to implementing a strengths-based teaching and learning strategy - to address these needs. Her powerful “questions for reflection” offer educators opportunities to draw on their strengths and successes and craft their approach to meeting students’ needs.

Dr. Les Foltos, author of "Peer Coaching: Unlocking the Power of Collaboration; architect of the Peer Coaching Program"; previous director of Instructional Technology for Seattle public schools