Developing Conscious Gratitude in Schools - by Jerell Hill

About the Book

Developing Conscious Gratitude in Schools addresses deep inequalities in the American education system, offering a holistic approach to reimagining schools as transformative spaces that support students, particularly those from low-income and marginalized backgrounds.

Book Synopsis

Developing Conscious Gratitude in Schools addresses deep inequalities in the American education system, offering a holistic approach to reimagining schools as transformative spaces that support students, particularly those from low-income and marginalized backgrounds. Jerell Hill explores how systemic challenges impact educational opportunities and provides a strategic blueprint for creating inclusive, empowering learning environments.

Chapters explore interconnected social policies, highlighting how factors like neighborhood conditions, public health, housing, and segregation profoundly affect school performance. By presenting research, case studies, and practical strategies, the blueprint presented is a new approach to education policy that addresses systemic inequality comprehensively.

This book is not merely an academic exercise, but a powerful catalyst for transformative change in education. Unlike theoretical works that merely describe problems, Developing Conscious Gratitude in Schools provides concrete, research backed strategies grounded in real world experiences that educators and administrators can immediately implement. By directly addressing the critical issues of systemic inequality in education, Hill moves beyond diagnosis to prescription, offering a transformative approach to educational design and practice.

Review Quotes

As a Special Education Teacher serving students with significant disabilities, I found Dr. Hill's work illuminating. He shows that gratitude is a way of seeing the world that cultivates humility, empathy, and the sacred act of giving back. His approach honors all human experience--both challenges and triumphs--as opportunities for growth and brilliance.

Developing Conscious Gratitude in Schools invites educators to recognize that gratitude is not about avoiding hardship, but about transforming it into purpose, resilience, and connection. Dr. Hill's work is a guiding light for all who believe teaching is more than instruction--it is a sacred practice of awareness, compassion, and grace.

--Sovey Long-Latteri, 2022 California Teacher of the Year. Lecturer, California State University, Long Beach. Special Education Teacher, Saddleback Valley Unified School District

This book is a timely and inspiring invitation to awaken what might best be described as Conscious Gratitude--a culturally centered practice rooted in moral awareness and emotional intelligence. Jerrell Hill beautifully begins with conscience, that inner voice guiding us toward right and wrong, and expands into a mindful gratitude that transforms appreciation into purposeful thought and action. Through its pages, readers are encouraged to recognize those who have illuminated their paths and to translate that recognition into humility, service, and joy. This work reminds us that gratitude, when practiced consciously, becomes a moral compass--one that deepens our understanding of interconnectedness and strengthens our commitment to give back with intention. You will be emotionally and pedagogically moved by this book!

--Tyrone C. Howard, Ph.D. Director, UCLA Pritzker Center for Strengthening Children & Families; Director, UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools, University of California, Los Angeles

About the Author

Jerell Hill serves as Dean of Student Services at Los Angeles City College, where he brings over 25 years of educational experience to his leadership role. A passionate advocate for educational justice and equity, Dr. Hill combines scholarly expertise with extensive practical experience to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in education. His academic research centers on teacher preparation, research-practice partnerships, and academic achievement, with additional focus areas including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), student motivation, educational administration, special education, and urban education. Most recently, Dr. Hill's leadership as Co-Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs helped secure an unprecedented 10 year accreditation for the institution.