This book exceeded my expectations. I've known Brett Novick to be a passionate and compassionate educator, who understands that it is about inter-personal relationships in the education setting that really makes or breaks an organization's success. But with this book, he's proved to touch on the 'affective' domain of an educational environment. I can tell you that not a day goes by, in my role as Superintendent of Schools, where I don't try to communicate that it's relationships not programs that change students - Brett provides the supporting data and an instruction method to do this in practice. I learned more from this book than any other I've read in years.

Thomas G. Farrell, Shared Regional Superintendent of Schools

Author Brett Novick has hit a bullseye in providing the school community with a roadmap to better communications and relationships, which in the end, translates to a better educational result for students. His very practical tips and suggestions for educational stakeholders to aid in team building and in working together for a common cause, is straightforward and an easy read.
While this book is a professional library must for teachers, parents, and administrators, it will be particularly useful and beneficial for teachers new to the classroom in helping to build positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents. And, the author’s effort will certainly rise the entire school community’s consciousness to the complexities, and potential distractions that significantly affect student learning.

Richard Marasco, Former Superintendent Monroe Township Schools, Former Associate Dean Monmouth University, Past President New Jersey Association of School Administrators

I have been a fan of Brett Novick’s amazing teaching for several years now and was excited to hear he collected his considerable practice wisdom into the pages of a book. Brett is a talented educator who truly practices what he preaches. His engaging style really connects with colleagues and students and now he is sharing his knowledge so others can use it to advance their careers.
To be an effective educator you need to be intelligent, but it has been shown that emotional intelligence—the ability to understand emotional and social situations, is a far more correlated with success. In this book, educators will find a treasure trove of practical and useful tools to increase their emotional intelligence in educational settings. You are certain to come away with a greater understanding of how to function successfully in your professional world. Well done!

Douglas Behan, Director of Continuing Education, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey