“The authors/editors present a collection of stories that might appear as counter-narratives but are so compelling they take their places in the mainstream world. The book is organized for people to come face-to-face with today’s educational context, renew their commitment to student-centered instruction through their own stories, and to confront and lead equity change initiatives focused on anti-racism and access for all students. These are the stories you will find unable to unsee, unhear, and unrecognize in current and future classrooms. Don’t miss this timely publication written by educators for educators!”

– Delores B. Lindsey, Ph.D., & Randall B. Lindsey, Ph.D., Center for Culturally Proficient Educational Practice

“I’ve always been an admirer of a good story and the authors didn’t disappoint readers with a collection of carefully selected stories from a diverse group of authors. Practical guidance such as the six-step storytelling routine for storytelling in the classroom and strategies for how to use the resource as a leader make this a good resource for educators on their journey to becoming an empathetic educator.”

– Latrenda Knighten, M.Ed., President-Elect 2023–2024, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Curriculum Supervisor, Mathematics, Baton Rouge, LA

“Empathetic Storytelling: Igniting Change in Education provides insight into the vast and deeply personal experiences its authors bravely and boldly share in these pages. Reading this book feels like sharing a coffee and a meaningful conversation with a trusted friend, providing lessons and perspectives that will surely resonate with educators and other humans.”

– Joanie Funderburk, M.A., National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics Board of Directors (Affiliate Coordinator); Texas Instruments Education Technology

“Are you tired of the same old narratives dictating our education system? Ready to break free from oppressive structures and pave a new way forward for every student? Look no further than this groundbreaking book! It’s time to shake up the status quo and embrace the power of diverse stories. As educators, it’s our duty and privilege to open our eyes to the full spectrum of human experience. This book is your roadmap to doing just that. Essential reading for any educator ready to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond. Get ready to revolutionize your teaching approach and ignite change with this page-turner you won’t be able to put down!”

– Vanessa “The Math Guru” Vakharia, Math Educator, Math Therapist

“The editors convincingly argue that understanding and embracing empathetic storytelling is pivotal in preventing the inadvertent recreation of oppressive structures within education. As the book contends, “This is important because without reflecting on our stories, our actions may inadvertently recreate oppressive interactions, policies, and dispositions in education.” Through engaging author stories, the book illustrates how empathy-infused narratives can invite reflection and harness the transformative power of stories.”

– Erin Lehman, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, University of South Dakota, National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics Board of Directors (Professional Learning Director)

“Empathetic Storytelling is a must read! The powerful stories shared by courageous contributors allows us opportunities to reflect on our practices and examine what changes are necessary.”

– Kevin Dykema, M.A., President, 2022–2024, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Math Teacher Mattawan (MI) Consolidated Schools

“Storytelling can help teachers build more collegial relationships with their peers, help teachers and students get to know each other on a deeper level, and help students to develop more meaningful connections with each other. This book is a must read for teachers and leaders who are looking for new and innovative ways to support teaching for equity and engagement.”

– Kyndall Brown, Ph.D., Executive Director, California Mathematics Project

“Empathetic Storytelling: Igniting Change in Education is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn the power of a purposeful story and how to tell stories that create mutual learning and healing for both the storyteller and the listener. The stories shared in the book will teach, lead, and inspire you on your mathematics education journey.”

– Mona Toncheff, M.Ed., Pre-Service Teacher Supervisor, University of Arizona; NCSM Past President

“In Empathetic Storytelling: Igniting Change in Education, editors Nank and Murawska shoot for the moon with their words of wisdom. This book is transformative and transcending in centering storytelling as a place of learning, healing, and hope in our classrooms and communities.”

– Sunil Singh, B.Sc., B.Ed., Author, Eureka Math

“A book of stories this powerful reminds us to be cautious and purposeful in our interactions with one another. I can especially appreciate the support and guidance from the editors in providing frameworks that support sharing these powerful stories with others and eventually beginning to tell each of our own stories.”

– Brian “Dr. Buck” Buckhalter, Ed.D., Founder of Buck Wild About Math, LlC; Mathematics Consultant and Coach

“This unique collection consists of diverse voices, wherein each chapter is carefully crafted with personal experiences, and reflections. These serve as a catalyst for change and allow readers an opportunity to reflect and develop critical thinking, which is very necessary in our very polarized world.”

– Fawzia Reza, Ed.D., American College of Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

“The stories that the editors and authors share are generative—they will stay with the reader long after the book is returned to the shelf or shared with a colleague; they will be retold in countless classrooms; and they will inspire untold new voices to share their own lived experience through storytelling. Additionally, the authors provide a framework for readers wishing to (or previously reluctant to) write and share their own stories.”

– Jan Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., President and Executive Director, Center for Success in High Need Schools, Inc.

“Empathetic Storytelling is a must read for any educator! Through empathetic storytelling, educators are invigorated to challenge the oppressive system that perpetuates racism and stereotypes with the hope of changing mindsets through empathy.”

– Haidee Fernandez, M.Ed., M.A., Instructional Coach, Culturally Linguistically Diverse Students