Stand for the Best

Endorsements for

"Stand for the Best"

by Thomas M. Bloch

“The greatest challenge to the promise of American democracy is the tragic failure of inner city public schools. Tom Bloch gave up a life of comfort and command to throw himself in this daunting arena. His report is, by turns, heartbreaking, frustrating, and, ultimately, inspiring. This is the story of an American hero, a modest and good-humored man who is bringing hope to children most in need. Everyone who cares about the children of America should read this book.”

–Benno Schmidt, Chairman, Board of Trustees, City University of New York; Former President, Yale University

“Thomas Bloch is one of those rare people who ‘walk the walk’ and put their ethics into practice. His extraordinary efforts to educate so many forgotten children, and to figure out the business of education, prove that people truly can change the world. Stand for the Best is well-written, compelling, thought-provoking and inspiring. I believe Tom has achieved his goal of doing something important with his ‘one and only life,’ and I hope his example will be wildly contagious among America's business leaders.”

– LouAnne Johnson, author of Dangerous Minds, The Queen of Education, and Teaching Outside the Box

“On his way to finding his life’s purpose, Tom Bloch identifies and tackles from many perspectives one of America’s biggest challenges: providing educational equity for all its children. The story of his journey is written with humility, honesty and humor. This is a wise book that will both inspire and help those who are similarly seeking.”

– Linda L. Edwards, Dean, UMKC School of Education

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Comments

[CU*]

Many people fail as teachers, inspite of the fact that they are "highly" qualified, because they lack one essential attribute: humility!

As is so evident from reading his book, Tom has humility. Additionally, he is very real. He is so real and so passionate about his call to teaching that his efforts easily and readily transcend simple pity.

Urban youngsters do not need pity--in fact, they resent being pitied! The genius of a Tom Block is that he comes across as a real person to his students and because of that they are willing to follow him!

From the vantage point of one who works a floor above his at University Academy and whose Upper School Math teachers receive students he has helped prepare, I can add that Tom lives the old Greek notion of being true to oneself. He comes, he teaches and he goes on to the next thing--everyday.

That is his secret and, frankly, his splendor as a man and as a teacher.

Well done, Tom!

[Roxie Jerde, Senior Vice President, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation]

I applaud Tom Bloch’s courage to live his personal dream and leave a lucrative CEO position to be an inner city math teacher and charter school founder. As his father, Henry Bloch, co-founder of H & R Bloch said,” Let us stand in the places we are most afraid we will fail. Let us stand for the best, no matter what the cost. Let us stand so that we can strengthen each other.” He said this in support of his son, also saying “He (Tom) chose to be the best person he could imagine himself being.” Tom clearly believes we can strengthen each other and this is also evident in how he approaches being Chair of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Ensuring our community is strengthened through effective philanthropic investments, Tom’s leadership is helping guide the Community Foundation’s community work based on the report commissioned by the Foundation, Time to Get It Right. Ensuring we have a skilled workforce to support the burgeoning life science opportunity in greater Kansas City, the Community Foundation is working to ensure every student graduating from high school is ready to move successfully into higher education. Tom’s book clearly intertwines the challenges we face to achieve our community vision with hope it can be achieved…one student at a time.